It can be tempting to drive without a license, especially when you do not know the consequences...
And you feel like you're doing pretty well behind the wheel. Yet it is a dangerous decision that is heavily enforced by law.
Vehicle seizure, hefty fines, demerit points... Is it really worthwhile?
Everyone Is Affected When You Drive Without a License
If you are pulled over for driving a car without a valid license, the vehicle will be seized at the expense of the owner , whether it belongs to you or not. In other words, there’s no way around it: The owner will learn that you were driving their car and will have the responsibility to pay!
The car will then be held for thirty days. To recover it, the owner will have to get the authorization of the SAAQ or a judge of the Court of Quebec. They will then have to pay towing and impounding charges. In short, it is a long and difficult procedure that nobody wants to go through!
The True Price of Driving Without a License
Since driving a car without a license is a violation of the Highway Safety Code , it will be punished by a fine. Normally, the amount is between $300 and $600, but can sometimes exceed this amount.
Besides, extra fees add up for each additional offense you have committed, and the final result can be very high. For example, if the police pulls you over because you are not wearing your seatbelt and then finds out that you don’t have a valid license, you could be charged up to $900.
Not to mention administrative costs! Each fine comes with registry fees and a mandatory contribution for victims of crime. In short, the financial consequences of driving without a license can seriously hurt.
In addition to the costs of seizure, impounding and towing, the owner of the car will also have to pay a fine. Thus, you should never lend your vehicle unless you are absolutely sure that the person who wants to borrow it has a valid driver's license. An acquaintance asks to use your car? You can call 1 900 565-1212 and give the license number to confirm its validity.
Retroactive Demerit Points: A Bad Start
“If I don’t have a license, why should I care about demerit points?” Most people believe that demerit points apply only to valid license holders, but the SAAQ gives no one a pass.
Any infringement of the Highway Safety Code and the Criminal Code that is committed, such as driving without a valid license, will result in demerit points that will be added to your driving record once you have your license.
So when you finally get your driver's license, it will already have demerit points, and who wants to start backwards? In addition, from four demerit points, the right to obtain a license is revoked for a period of three, six or twelve months, which considerably lengthens the process!
Driving without a license, without consequences? Impossible. Not only is this offense enforced very harshly, but it also poses serious dangers to your safety and the safety of others. So while waiting for your license, remember that patience is a virtue... and that bus tickets are cheap!
