Right of way, turns and intersections in Quebec

By the end of this topic you can

• You can decide who goes first at two-way and all-way stops.
• You can make a safe left turn across oncoming traffic.
• You can enter a roundabout correctly.
• You can turn right on red where it is allowed, and know where it is not.

What you need to know and understand

• At a stop sign you must come to a full stop before the stop line or crosswalk.
• At an all-way stop, the vehicle that reached the intersection first goes first, and pedestrians and cyclists crossing must be yielded to.
• When turning left, yield to oncoming vehicles close enough to be a hazard.
• When approaching a roundabout (traffic circle), slow down and yield to users already in it.
• A flashing red light means stop, then yield as you would at a stop sign.
• Right on red is allowed after a full stop, except on the island of Montreal and where a sign forbids it.
• Failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists at an intersection carries 2 demerit points.

Stop signs and flashing lights

A stop sign in Quebec is the familiar red octagon, usually marked ARRET. Stop completely, then look for pedestrians, cyclists and traffic on the road you are entering. Where only your road has a stop sign, everyone on the main road has priority. Where all directions have stop signs, go in the order of arrival, and still give way to anyone on foot or on a bike crossing in front of you. A flashing red signal works the same way as a stop sign; an amber light means stop unless you are too close to stop safely.

Turning left and turning right

On a green arrow, move only in the direction shown, still yielding to anyone already crossing.

1. Check mirrors, signal early and move into the correct position: the far right for a right turn, near the centre line for a left turn on a two-way road.
2. Slow down and scan for pedestrians on the crosswalk you will cross.
3. For a left turn, wait in your position with wheels straight until oncoming traffic is clear.
4. Shoulder-check for cyclists before turning, then complete the turn into the correct lane.

Right on red: how and where

Outside the island of Montreal, you may turn right on a red light unless a sign forbids it. You must first stop completely at the stop line or crosswalk, then yield to pedestrians, cyclists and any vehicle close enough to be a hazard. The turn is never compulsory: if the driver ahead chooses to wait, do not honk. Not stopping fully, or turning where it is banned, carries 3 points and a $100 to $200 fine. Signs at Montreal's entry points, such as bridges, remind you of the ban. Our guide to right turn on red in Quebec covers the Montreal exception in detail.

Roundabouts

Slow down as you approach, choose your lane early from the signs, and yield to traffic already circulating. Signal your exit and watch for cyclists and pedestrians at the crossings.

Common mistakes

• Rolling through a stop sign. Examiners can fail you on the spot for not stopping.
• Turning right on red in Montreal out of habit. It is banned across the whole island.
• Turning the wheels left while waiting to turn. If hit from behind, you would be pushed into oncoming traffic.
• Forgetting pedestrians when turning right on red. They have priority on the crosswalk.

Test yourself: Right of way, turns and intersections in Quebec

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Right turn on red in Quebec and the Montreal exception
• Quebec Highway Safety Code
• Driving in Montreal as a new driver