All you need to know about the new Quebec Road Code

The Quebec Parliament unanimously adopted the bill to amend the Road Safety Code. Many measures have an immediate effect, while others will come into effect gradually.

 

These will aim to increase the awareness of each user of public roads and to force him to act with caution and respect, especially for those most vulnerable to him.

 

Here are the main measures. The parenthesis is the date on which the provision enters into force. Unless otherwise specified, this is the year 2018.

 

Driving alcohol

A recidivist will be forced to drive a car that will be equipped with an anti-starter ethometry. This sanction can only be lifted after 10 years, provided the driver demonstrates that alcohol or drugs have no impact on his ability to drive a vehicle. (a decree to this effect will be issued by the provincial government)

 

Cyclists

Fines for cycling offenses are increased. These will be between 80 and 100 dollars. The same amount of the fine will be applied to other road users who are not drivers (those who go on trout, skates, etc.). (May 18)

 

Bicyclists are no longer required to signal the stop, but they still need to signal the change of direction. (May 18)

 

There are no signs of inefficiency for cyclists (April 18th)

 

Even if the road is free, the red traffic lights and the stop sign require complete immobilization. Bicyclists have to go in the direction of traffic – unless a sign allows anything else or when necessary.

 

It is forbidden to move between two rows of moving cars.

 

Ear headphone circulation is forbidden. (30th of June)

 

Bicycles shall be equipped with at least eight reflective elements (pedals, wheel side, red rear reflector and white in front, and reflective vests) (May 18)

 

Cyclists have to stop five meters behind a school bus that has the damage done. (May 18)

 

Overtaking a cyclist

The driver of a road vehicle must slow down and observe a safe distance when overtaking a cyclist. This distance is 1.5 meter on roads where the speed limit exceeds 50 km / h and 1 meter on roads where the limit is 50 km / h or less.

 

Pedestrians

Pedestrians have priority on a crossing of pedestrians as soon as they have indicated their intention to cross. (May 18)

 

The driver of a road vehicle must slow down and observe a safe distance when crossing a pedestrian. This distance is 1.5 meter on roads where the speed limit exceeds 50 km / h and 1 meter on roads where the limit is 50 km / h or less. (May 18)

 

The principle of prudence

The Road Code introduces the “Prudence Principle”. He says: “Every road user is obliged, especially with regard to the most vulnerable, to act with caution and respect when traveling on public roads.” The Code does not provide for a specific sanction for non-compliance with this principle, but the rest of the code rules can be applied. (April 18th)

 

Driving inadvertently. Mobile Phones

It is forbidden for any conductor and any cyclist to use a mobile phone or any other portable device intended to transmit or receive information or be used for entertainment purposes. There are some exceptions.

 

The fines for drivers are now between $ 300 and $ 600. In the case of subsequent deviations, the minimum fine is doubled. The driver is also subject to an immediate suspension of the 3, 7 or 30-day permit, depending on whether it is a first, second or third relative and after a two-year period.