Photo: Eastmain, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In Quebec, the SAAQ revokes a learner’s or probationary licence when you reach 4 demerit points, and a regular licence at 8, 12 or 15 points depending on your age. This page lists the points for the offences new Quebec drivers get most often, explains how speeding points climb and double for excessive speed, and shows how long points stay on your record. It is for learner and probationary drivers and their parents.
Key facts
- Learner’s and probationary licence: revoked at 4 demerit points, for at least 3 months.
- Regular licence: revoked at 8 points if you are under 23, 12 points at 23 or 24, and 15 points at 25 or older.
- Points stay on your record for 2 years from the date of conviction.
- Using a hand-held phone: 5 points. Failing to stop for a school bus: 9 points. Running a red light or stop sign: 3 points.
- Excessive speeding doubles the points, so one ticket can cost a learner the licence.
- Photo radar tickets go to the vehicle owner and carry no demerit points.
Demerit point limits by licence type and age
| Licence holder | Points that lead to revocation |
|---|---|
| Learner’s licence | 4 |
| Probationary licence | 4 |
| Regular licence, under 23 | 8 |
| Regular licence, 23 or 24 | 12 |
| Regular licence, 25 or older | 15 |
For a learner or probationary driver, reaching 4 points means the licence is revoked and you cannot get a new one for at least 3 months. Revocations for regular licence holders last longer when they happen again. Check the revocation periods that apply to you with the SAAQ.
The under-23 limit matters even after you finish the probationary period. If you get your regular licence at 18, you still lose it at 8 points until you turn 23.
Demerit points for common offences in Quebec
| Offence | Demerit points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Using a hand-held phone or other portable electronic device | 5 | Fine $300 to $600. Repeat offence: $600 fine and immediate licence suspension |
| Failing to stop for a school bus or minibus with flashing lights or stop sign on, or passing it illegally | 9 | Fine $200 to $300 |
| Failing to obey a red light or stop sign | 3 | |
| Failing to stop before a right turn on red where it is allowed | 3 | Right on red is banned everywhere on the island of Montreal |
| Crossing a solid line where prohibited | 3 | Fine $200 to $300 |
| Driving with any alcohol as a learner, probationary or under-22 driver | 4 | Plus an immediate 90-day suspension and a fine of $300 to $600 |
| Breaking the probationary night passenger limit (drivers 19 or under) | 4 | Applies midnight to 5 a.m. in the first 12 months |
| Speed or action likely to endanger life or property (Highway Safety Code s. 327) | 4 | Fine $1,000 to $3,000 |
The SAAQ’s full table has many more offences. Check the current version on saaq.gouv.qc.ca before you rely on a figure.
How many demerit points for speeding in Quebec?
| Speed over the limit | Demerit points |
|---|---|
| 11 to 20 km/h | 1 |
| 21 to 30 km/h | 2 |
| 31 to 45 km/h | 3 |
| 46 to 60 km/h | 5 |
| 61 to 80 km/h | 7 |
| More than 80 km/h | Higher again; check the SAAQ table |
How the speeding fine is worked out
The Government of Quebec sets a $30 base fine plus an amount for each full 5 km/h over the limit: $10 per 5 km/h up to 20 over, $15 from 21 to 30 over, $20 from 31 to 45 over, $25 from 46 to 60 over and $30 beyond that. Its examples: 70 km/h in a 50 zone costs $70, and 125 km/h in a 90 zone costs $170, before fees.
Excessive speeding doubles the points
Quebec calls it grand excès de vitesse. The points and the fine are doubled when you drive:
- 40 km/h or more over in a zone of 60 km/h or less
- 50 km/h or more over in a zone above 60 up to 90 km/h
- 60 km/h or more over in a 100 km/h zone
Excessive speeding also brings an immediate 7-day licence suspension. The SAAQ notes that a single excessive speeding conviction can carry more than 30 demerit points. More in excessive speeding and stunt driving across Canada.
Worked examples for new Quebec drivers
Example 1: two small tickets
A probationary driver is caught at 25 km/h over (2 points) in March, then at 15 km/h over (1 point) in June. Total: 3 points. One more point within 2 years of the first conviction reaches 4, and the licence is revoked for at least 3 months.
Example 2: one phone ticket
A learner picks up a phone to read a text while driving. A hand-held device ticket is 5 points. That is over the 4-point limit, so the learner’s licence is revoked.
Example 3: excessive speed in a 50 zone
A probationary driver does 92 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, 42 km/h over. The base points for 31 to 45 km/h over are 3, doubled to 6 because it is 40 or more over in a zone of 60 or less. The licence is suspended at the roadside for 7 days, and the 6 points then revoke it.
Photo radar and red-light cameras
Tickets from photo radar and red-light cameras are sent to the vehicle’s owner. They carry no demerit points because the driver is not identified. You still pay the fine. See driving in Montreal as a new driver.
How long do demerit points stay on your record in Quebec?
2 years from the date of conviction. Points are counted over that rolling 2-year window, so an old ticket drops off and stops counting towards your limit once 2 years have passed.
What happens when you reach the limit
- The SAAQ revokes your licence.
- Learner and probationary drivers cannot get a new licence for at least 3 months.
- After the revocation you must apply again and meet the SAAQ’s conditions. Ask the SAAQ which tests or steps apply to you.
Related rules: Quebec learner’s licence rules, Quebec probationary licence, zero alcohol in Quebec until 22, Quebec Highway Safety Code rules for learners, right turn on red in Quebec. The overview is learning to drive in Quebec.
Common questions
How many demerit points can a probationary driver have in Quebec?
Fewer than 4. At 4 points the licence is revoked for at least 3 months.
Do photo radar tickets give demerit points in Quebec?
No. They go to the vehicle owner and carry a fine only.
How many points is a cellphone ticket in Quebec?
5 points and a fine of $300 to $600. For a learner or probationary driver, that alone reaches the 4-point limit.
I am 21 with a regular licence. What is my limit?
8 points, because you are under 23. It rises to 12 at 23 and to 15 at 25.
Sources
- Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Demerit Points: Driver’s Licence” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Demerit Points: Penalties” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Speeding: Fines and demerit points” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Avoid distractions: driving requires your full attention” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Your obligations around schools and school buses” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- Gouvernement du Québec, “Règlement sur les points d’inaptitude”, C-24.2, r. 37 (legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca)
- Gouvernement du Québec, “Speed limits” (quebec.ca)