Heavy Vehicles

Transportation of Dangerous Substances

Dangerous substances – such as petroleum products and other flammable, corrosive, explosive or toxic products – must be transported safely in order to reduce hazards to the public, the environment and our roads.

In brief

In Québec, handling and transportation of dangerous substances are governed by the Transportation of Dangerous Substances Regulation, which falls the jurisdiction of the Ministère des Transports.

Among other things, this regulation specifies:

  • classification of dangerous substances
  • compliance of the means of containment
  • safety marks (stickers, labels, placards, signs, marks, panels, etc.)
  • driver training
  • driving prohibitions in Québec (tunnels)
  • mandatory stops at level crossings
  • shipping documents
  • Important! Tank tuck transportation of dangerous substances requires specific manufacturing standards.

Shared responsibilities

The responsibilities concerning handling and transportation of dangerous substances are shared among the operator, the driver and the shipper.

For more information

Visit the website of the Ministère des Transports.

Condition M or O added to the driver's licence of a driver transporting dangerous substances

These medical conditions are related to the state of health of a driver's licence holder whose record indicates moderate or total hearing loss.

These conditions ensure that the driver of a vehicle transporting dangerous substances who is involved in an accident can communicate effectively with police and fire departments and any other person on the scene of the accident.

Condition M – Must wear a hearing aid to drive a vehicle transporting dangerous substances.

Condition O – Prohibited from driving a vehicle transporting dangerous substances.

Procedure to have Condition M or O withdrawn

  1. Obtain a Medical Examination Report by contacting us by telephone or by going to one of our service outlets.
  2. Consult a physician who is recognized in Canada and have him or her fill out and sign the examination report. You are responsible for covering the physician's fees, which do not qualify for reimbursement.
  3. Send us the report for analysis. You will receive our decision in the mail.

Last update: May 17, 2022