Buses and minibuses must meet several requirements to ensure the safety of passengers and other road users.
The main safety requirements that govern the use of buses and minibuses concern, at different levels, the following persons:
Buses and minibuses are considered heavy vehiclesVehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or more, as indicated on the compliance label., regardless of their gross vehicle weight ratingA vehicle's weight, including its maximum load capacity, according to the manufacturer's specifications..
In order to ensure that buses and minibuses are in good mechanical condition, the SAAQ enforces regulations and administers programs that allow for interventions in several areas:
For more details, consult our Mechanical Inspection and Maintenance of Heavy Vehicles section.
Baggage and equipment carried on board buses and minibuses must be safely loaded and restrained to protect passengers from any injury caused by shifting baggage or parcels.
In addition to meeting regulatory load securement standards, drivers must distribute and secure freight, express messenger parcels and baggage so as to ensure:
For more details, consult our Load Securement section.
Owners are required to register any bus or minibus they wish to put into operation.
Several documents, such as the daily log, must be kept on board a bus or minibus.
Buses and minibuses operated in Québec must comply with polluting emissions standards.
Last update: May 17, 2022
