As you can imagine, in Quebec, the highway safety code is not the same as in Europe! But don’t worry, we’re driving on the right here and the speeds are in km / h, that’s it already, isn’t it? And in addition, we have grouped together for you the small differences that we find here! After that, you’ll be driving in Quebec with confidence.
-
Traffic lights
Yes, in Quebec,it is possible to turn right at a red light! In this situation, the same rules as a STOP sign apply: priority is given to other vehicles and pedestrians. Please note, this rule does not apply in Montreal, but a sign may indicate the opposite.
If the light flashes or indicates a green arrow, it means that the vehicles in front have a red light, so you are free and have priority to turn!
Don’t forget that the traffic lights are on the other side of the track here! If you stop at the foot of the traffic lights as you could in Europe, you will be in the middle of the intersection … it is better to avoid!
-
If you see a school bus while driving in Quebec …
And if that bus’s red lights are flashing, its stop sign is open on the side, you absolutely have to stop until the lights go out. This rule applies whether you are in front of or behind the bus. So remember to stop 5m from the bus. We are not kidding with this measure; you risk a $ 200 to $ 300 fine and 9 points on your license if you do not respect this rule.
-
If there is a STOP sign at the 4 intersections, it’s first come, first served!
If you arrive at an intersection and each driver in front meets a STOP sign, it is simplythe first to arrive at the intersection that has priority! Speaking of priority, no priority on the right in Quebec! We leave this habit in Europe.
- Am I going too fast?
Nothing too complicated once again! 50 km / h in town, 30 km / h in safe areas (schools, near parks etc.), 90 km / h on roads outside towns. Beware of highways, there is a limit of 100Km / h. Although they’re quite tolerant, the police do not like excess, and the fines can quickly become expensive… So take the time (at the same time, you are here for that).
- Last but not least: parking problems
Driving in Quebec was a little too easy until now, so we’re going to complicate things.
In town, when you park, pay close attention to the signs: you may have the right to park but this will no longer be the case in an hour, or the next day, or next season; make sure you read carefully! If there are several panels, the highest panel has priority over the others.
The highest sign indicates that parking is prohibited on Tuesdays from April 1 to December 1, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., in front of and behind the sign.
The sign below indicates that it is forbidden to park between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless you have a specific sticker. The arrow on the bottom panel points to the sidewalk, This indicates the end of the affected area. In the other direction you can park until the next sign.
There may also be a charge for parking; remember to check the terminals in the corner! Here we do not mess with the vignettes and payments. The cheapest fine will come back to you at $ 53, even for 3 unpaid minutes!
-
What about my foreign driving license in all of this?
If you are traveling from abroad, know that your driver’s license is valid in Quebec for six months. After this deadline, you must apply for an international or local driver’s license to be driving in Quebec. If you are French and want to know more, it’s here.
See, driving in Quebec is not very complicated! So now, no more excuses to come and ride with us 🙂
Besides, if you want to discover our vans, it’s here!