Tips For Driving in Quebec
Quebec has a wide variety of roads and highways allowing drivers to access all areas of the province. When driving Quebec’s roads, one should be aware of the general and specific rules and guidelines that should be followed. Below are a number of tips for driving in Quebec.
Driver’s License and Insurance: If you are traveling to Quebec from another country, most foreign driver’s licenses are valid for stays under 6 months. After 6 months, one is required to have an international driving permit. When you drive on Quebec roads, you must hold a liability insurance policy of at least $50,000. If a vehicle is involved in an accident and the vehicle is not registered in Quebec, (auto à vendre au Montréal) the amount of damages awarded will be based on the non-resident’s degree of responsibility. Proof of insurance must be kept in the car when driving a vehicle. As well, non Quebec residents may be covered for compensation under the province’s no-fault insurance.
The minimum age for driving a car in Quebec is 16. As well, for those rental companies that permit drivers under 25 to rent a car, they may charge higher insurance rates. It is also important to be aware that wearing seatbelts when driving is the law in Quebec.
Since 2003, it has been legal to turn right on a red light. The law mandates that drivers come to a complete stop before turning and that they yield to other traffic and pedestrians. If a driver fails to do so, one could receive a fine and demerit points applied to their license.
It is illegal to consume alcohol and drive a vehicle. A driver suspected of driving under the influence will be required to perform a breathalyzer test. If the test results reveal an alcohol concentration of 80 or more milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood, (maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving in Quebec is 0.08%), their driver’s license will be suspended for a 30-day period. There are often police road checks for intoxicated drivers.
All traffic in Quebec travels on the right. Road signs are international, but generally in French. Maximum speed limits are 50km/h (31mph) in urban areas, 80km/h on rural highways, and 100km/h on regular highways. Radar detection devices are strictly banned and are prohibited from being carried in vehicles. In the winter, snow tires are mandatory. Information on road conditions is available from the Ministere des Transports.