Serving the Eastern Townships English-speaking Community since 1979.
Once you have moved to Quebec and plan on staying longer than 183 days, you have approximately 90 days to exchange your driver’s license and license plates for your vehicle. For information on how to make these exchanges, call the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) toll free: 1-800-361-7620.
Car Inspection Centres (Les centres de vérification technique)
This inspection is mandatory on vehicles brought into Quebec and must be done before you can get Quebec license plates for your car. Call ahead for an appointment. The inspection takes about one hour for a standard-size vehicle and, at this time, it costs approximately $81. The owner is responsible for the inspection fee and the cost of any repairs needed to pass the inspection. If repairs are needed, the inspection centre will give you a form that you must take to your garage. Once the repairs have been made, you take the form and your vehicle back to the inspection centre for verification. Following is a partial list of inspection centres. (To find one closer to your home, call the SAAQ, toll free: 1-800-361-7620.)
Drummondville
(819) 477-1777
Granby
(450) 372-4242
Lac Mégantic
(819) 583-0112
Sherbrooke
(819) 566-8464
Victoriaville
(819) 758-6218
Driver’s Licence
To exchange your driver’s license for a Quebec driver’s license, you must contact the SAAQ first.
Canadian citizens call: 1-800-361-7620
Non-Canadian citizens call: 1-888-356-6616
Driver’s licenses are good for two years, renewable on your birthday. Car licenses are renewed at the end of the month assigned to the first letter of your last name. You are also responsible for a fee to exchange your driver’s license and car registration.
Automobile Insurance
Under the Quebec Automobile Insurance Act, the owner of a motor vehicle on Quebec roads must hold a liability insurance contract of at least $50,000. When driving, you are required to have your driver’s licence, the vehicle registration certificate, and a liability insurance certificate with you. You can arrange car insurance by calling an insurance broker.
Turn right on red
Turning right on a red light is permitted in most municipalities in Quebec, unless there is a No Turn on Red sign. Where it is permitted, you must come to a complete stop before making the turn. Turning right on red is not allowed on the Island of Montreal.