🚦 Understanding Demerit Points in Québec: What Every Driver Needs to Know

By Ligue Automobile de Montréal – Driving School Blog

Whether you’re a new driver just starting out or someone who’s been behind the wheel for years, understanding Québec’s demerit point system is essential. It’s not just about avoiding tickets—it’s about keeping your licence, staying safe, and protecting others on the road.

At Ligue Automobile de Montréal, our goal is to teach you more than just how to drive—we prepare you to be a responsible and informed motorist. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about demerit points: how they work, how they affect your licence, and how to avoid getting them.

❓ What Are Demerit Points?

Demerit points are part of a system used by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) to monitor unsafe driving habits. They aren’t something you want to collect—too many points can lead to fines, licence suspensions, or even losing your licence altogether.

Think of them as the government’s way of encouraging safe driving while penalizing repeat or serious offenders.

⚖️ How Do Demerit Points Work in Québec?

Whenever you commit a traffic violation—speeding, using your phone, running a red light—the police may issue a ticket. Along with the fine, a certain number of demerit points are added to your driving record.

Here are a few common examples:

Speeding: 1 to 10 points (depending on how far over the limit)
Running a red light: 3 points
Using a mobile phone while driving: 5 points
Failing to stop for a school bus: 9 points

👉 Important: The police don’t actually take points off your licence. They issue the ticket, and once it’s processed, the SAAQ assigns the demerit points to your record.

If you feel a ticket was unfair, you can contest it in court before points are added.

🚫 How Many Demerit Points Before You Lose Your Licence?

The limit depends on your licence type and driving experience:

Learner’s or probationary licence: Maximum 4 points
Regular licence (less than 2 years of experience): Maximum 8 points
Experienced drivers: Maximum 15 points

If you go over the limit, you may face:

Licence suspension (from 3 to 12 months)
Mandatory driving courses
Longer suspensions or even permanent licence revocation for repeat offenses

🔍 How to Check Your Demerit Points

Staying on top of your driving record is simple. You can:

Check online through the SAAQ website
Call SAAQ customer service for details

If you’ve received a ticket recently, it’s a good idea to monitor your balance.

🛡️ Final Thoughts from Ligue Automobile de Montréal

At Ligue Automobile de Montréal, we don’t just prepare you to pass the SAAQ exams—we give you the knowledge and tools to drive safely for life.

✅ Tip: Remember, safe driving isn’t just about avoiding fines or suspensions. It’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else sharing the road.

Have questions about demerit points or traffic laws? Our experienced instructors are here to help.

📞 Call us today at 514-844-7303
📧 Email us at info@ladm.ca

We’ll be happy to guide you through our driving courses and road safety programs.