By this point, many Montreal drivers have gotten used to weaving through bike lanes, dodging potholes, and finding parking in construction zones. But staying on the right side of the law? Well, that’s a whole other challenge.
Even if you think you’re a decent driver (or cyclist), Quebec’s Highway Safety Code is full of obscure rules you might not know about, and breaking them can cost you.
From fuzzy dice to forbidden brake-checking, here are 11 lesser-known road laws that, if broken, could land you a fine, demerit points, or both.
Illegal braking to annoy other drivers
Braking suddenly just to mess with the person behind you isn’t just petty — it’s also illegal. The Highway Safety Code says you can’t brake “without necessity,” especially if it’s to confuse or inconvenience other drivers.
Fine: $200 – $300 and 2 demerit points
Source: Section 436 of Quebec’s Highway Safety Code
Parking too close or far to a sidewalk
When parallel parking in Quebec, your car must be no more than 30 cm (12 inches) from the edge of the sidewalk or road. It’s a small detail that can lead to a parking ticket.
Fine: Varies (typically $53 to $79)
Source: Gouvernement du Québec
Fuzzy dice and dashboard clutter
Believe it or not, hanging anything from your rearview mirror — like dice, rosaries, or even air fresheners — could be considered an obstruction. The same goes for excessive clutter on your dashboard.
Back in 2021, a Granby resident made headlines when he was issued a fine for having a COVID mask hanging from his mirror.
Fine: $171
Source: Section 442 of the Highway Safety Code
Wearing earphones while behind the wheel
Driving with noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds in both ears is illegal, even if you’re not on a call. However, wearing a single earbud is technically allowed.
Fine: $100 – $200
Source: SAAQ
Honking for no reason
Your horn is for safety alerts only. Using it to yell at bad drivers or say “hi” to a friend can get you a ticket in Quebec.
With that said, the Montreal Canadiens winning a playoff series might get you a free pass to beep freely…
Fine: $100 or more
Source: SAAQ
Tinted windows
Your car’s window tint might look cool, but it can cost you some serious dough.
While they’re allowed in Quebec, the laws of the road say that front-side windows must allow at least 70% of light in. Windshields can only have a 15 cm tinted strip up top.
Violating these tint laws comes with surprisingly hefty fines, especially for heavy vehicles.
Fine: $154 – $274 for passenger vehicles; up to $525 for heavy vehicles
Source: SAAQ
Driving too slow
Yes, speeding is bad, but going way too slow can get you a ticket, too. If you’re impeding traffic without a valid reason, police can pull you over.
Fine: $100 (or more)
Source: Gouvernement du Québec
Taking your hands off the handlebars
If you’re riding your bike hands-free (maybe filming a TikTok or digging through your backpack), you could be fined. Quebec law says cyclists must have at least one hand on the bars at all times.
Fine: $80–$100
Source: SAAQ
Wearing earphones while biking
Just like drivers, cyclists can be fined for using headphones that impair their hearing.
Fine: $80 – $100
Source: SAAQ
Riding your bike on a sidewalk
Unless you’re under 14 or accompanying a child, biking on the sidewalk is generally banned throughout the province. Doing so could get you hit with a hefty fine.
Fine: $80 – $100
Source: SAAQ
Adding a passenger to your bike
Riding with a buddy on a bike meant for one is a no-go unless it’s equipped for passengers. That means no pegs, handlebars, or milk crates as makeshift seats.
Fine: $80 – $100
Source: SAAQ
