Automobile
Québec’s road network spans more than 185,000 km. Among the many means of transportation used, the automobile is by far the most popular, especially in the regions. Montréal ranks fifth among international urban centres for getting around easily.
Official road map of Québec
Driver’s licence
To drive a vehicle on Québec roads, it is necessary to hold a licence for the appropriate vehicle category. In order to obtain a licence, applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have taken driving lessons at a school recognized by the Association québécoise du transport et des routes (AQTR, Québec Transport and Road Association). After passing both a written and a practical exam, the applicant is issued a temporary permit. The regular driver’s licence is issued after 24 months.
Holders of licences issued outside Québec may drive an automobile without a licence from Québec for 90 days following their arrival. Once that period has elapsed, they must hold a Québec licence.
Road safety
Road safety and the prevention of accidents depend on education, standardization and monitoring. Rules are in effect on Québec’s roads, which:
- require obeying the Highway Safety Code
- require the mandatory use of seat belts
- forbid the use of cell phones when driving. “Handsfree” equipment is permitted.
- limit the blood-alcohol level to 0.08 when driving
- require winter tires
Via phone or the Web, Québec 511 makes road travel in Québec easier by providing information about:
- winter road conditions
- roadwork
- major incidents
- weather alerts
- ferry schedules
- wait time at border crossings
The Québec 511 phone service is accessible throughout Québec and works on all telephone service systems.
Vehicle registration
Unless they are exempted under the Highway Safety Code, all vehicles in Québec must be registered. The registration must be renewed yearly on a specific date.
Automobile insurance plan
Administered by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, this plan entitles everyone residing in Québec to compensation for injuries sustained in a traffic accident involving a motor vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. The plan is funded by contributions included in the cost of driver’s licences and registrations.
Automobile insurance
Anyone driving a vehicle on Québec roads must take out liability insurance from a private insurance company. Drivers select the contract that is right for them based on price comparisons and coverage needs.
