In Quebec, the demerit point system is a crucial mechanism for encouraging responsible driving and punishing dangerous behavior on the road. Understanding how this system works is essential to avoiding infractions that can lead to license suspension, and more importantly, to maintaining safe driving habits.
Road training professionals, Tecnic invites you to explore in detail what demerit points are, how they accumulate, the infractions that generate them, and the possible consequences for drivers. Let's hit the road!
What is a Demerit Point?
A demerit point is an administrative sanction assigned when a driver commits a violation of the Code de la Sécurité Routière (Highway Safety Code), regardless of the class of his or her driver's license. These points accumulate on the offender's driver's license and can lead to serious consequences, such as license suspension if a certain threshold is reached.
Demerit points are linked to a scale of offence seriousness: the more dangerous the offence, the higher the number of points awarded. For example, a serious speeding offence can earn you up to 10 demerit points, while other, less serious offences may be punished by 2 or 3 points.
Finally, you should know that demerit points have an impact on the cost of renewing your license. The more points you accumulate, the more your license will cost, ranging from double to 20 times the regular price!
How Many Demerit Points per Offence in Quebec?
Here's an overview of common infractions and the number of demerit points they carry on your driving record:
- Speeding: The number of points varies according to how far you exceed the limit:
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- 11 to 20 km/h over the limit: 1 point.
- 21 to 30 km/h over the limit: 2 points.
- 31 to 49 km/h over the limit: 3 points.
- More than 50 km/h over the limit: 10 points.
- Cell phone while driving: Using a cell phone without a hands-free device results in 5 demerit points.
- Failure to obey a red light or stop sign: This offence carries 3 demerit points.
- Dangerous driving: Depending on the seriousness of the offence, you could receive up to 12 demerit points.
- Failure to respect safety distances: Failure to respect the minimum distance between two vehicles can result in 2 demerit points.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: This is an extremely serious offence, resulting not only in demerit points but also immediate suspension of the driver's license. In general, this offence carries a penalty of 12 points.
- Failure to obey traffic signs: Failure to obey traffic signs can also results in penalties. For example, ignoring a “Yield” sign or a weight limit sign can result in 3 demerit points.
For a complete and official list of demerit points in Quebec, as well as the table of offences and points, please consult the SAAQ website.
Infractions add up quickly if you're not careful, and it's essential to know the demerit point table provided by the SAAQ to find out how many points are associated with each infraction.
How Many Demerit Points Can You Accumulate Before a Suspension?
The number of demerit points a driver can accumulate before having their license suspended varies according to their age and driving status. Here are the thresholds:
- Drivers under 23: The threshold is set at 8 points.
- Drivers aged 23 to 24: The threshold is set at 12 points.
- Drivers aged 25 and over: The threshold is raised to 15 points.
- Drivers with a probationary license (such as young drivers or apprentices): 4 points are enough to trigger a suspension.
If the threshold is exceeded, the license is suspended for a period ranging from 3 to 12 months, depending on the case. Drivers must then take a road safety awareness course to regain their right to drive.
How To Check My Demerit Points in Quebec?
To check how many demerit points you have left, you can consult your driving record online via the SAAQ website.
It's a good idea to check your record regularly, especially if you've been involved in a number of infractions in recent years. This will enable you to better manage your behavior on the road and avoid a suspension.
How Long Does It Take to Recover Demerit Points?
The time it takes to recover demerit points depends on the driver's behavior. After an offence, points remain on file for a period of 2 years.
If you commit no further offences during this period, your points are removed from your driving record.
However, it's important to note that these demerit points are not recoverable by a simple payment or any quick action. Drivers must wait until the end of this period to regain a clean record.
What To Do if Your License is Suspended for Demerit Points?
If you have accumulated enough demerit points to have your license suspended, you will have to wait until the end of the suspension period and take a road safety awareness course.
This course is mandatory to get your license back. Once you've taken the course, you'll have to pay a fee to get your license back, and you'll be able to get back on the road with your demerit points record reset to zero.
Tecnic's tip: If you've had your license suspended for accumulating demerit points, taking refresher courses could go a long way to helping you get back to safe driving and avoid further infractions.
Stay on the Road to Good Driving with Tecnic!
Understanding and managing demerit points in Quebec is essential to preserving your right to drive. Every infraction can have serious consequences, and it's crucial to maintain safe driving to avoid accumulating points that could lead to a license suspension.
At Tecnic, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're a novice or an experienced driver, our team offers quality driving lessons and ongoing support to help you understand the intricacies of the demerit point system and stay safe on the road.
Find a Tecnic school near you and take advantage of our training courses to improve your driving skills and better understand the rules of road safety. And don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our driving courses!
