Demerit Points in Quebec: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Your Licence
In Quebec, traffic violations can add demerit points to your driving record — and once you hit the limit for your licence type, your licence gets revoked. Here’s a practical breakdown of how the system works, what infractions to watch out for, and how to stay on top of your record.
How Do Demerit Points Work in Quebec?
The Basics: Points That Add Up
Quebec’s demerit point system has been managed by the SAAQ since 1973. Every time a driver is found guilty of an offence under the Highway Safety Code, a set number of points gets added to their driving record. The more serious the infraction, the more points it carries.
One important detail: points only appear on your record once you’re found guilty — not when you receive the ticket. If you pay the ticket without contesting it, you’re automatically admitting guilt, and the points are recorded immediately. If you contest the ticket, no points are added until the court makes a decision.
Who Does It Apply To?
All Quebec licence holders are subject to the demerit point system, regardless of their licence class. The thresholds, however, vary depending on what type of licence you hold.
Worth noting: infractions committed in Ontario, the state of Maine, or the state of New York are also recorded on your Quebec driving record — treated the same as if the offence happened here.
How Many Points Before You Lose Your Licence?
Thresholds by Licence Type
The number of demerit points you can accumulate before losing your licence depends on where you are in the graduated licensing system:
| Licence Type | Revocation Threshold |
|---|---|
| Learner’s permit | 4 points |
| Probationary licence | 4 points |
| Full Class 5 licence | 15 points |
For learner’s permit and probationary licence holders, the margin is razor-thin. A single serious infraction — like impaired driving, which carries 4 points — is enough to trigger immediate revocation.
What Happens When You Hit the Limit?
Once you reach or exceed your threshold, the SAAQ notifies you in writing that your licence has been revoked — meaning it’s cancelled and you can no longer drive.
The minimum revocation period is 3 months, but it can extend to 6 or 12 months depending on the number of points accumulated and your recent driving history. If you drive on a revoked licence, your vehicle will be towed and impounded at your expense for 30 days, and you’ll face a fine ranging from $600 to $2,000, plus court fees.
Getting your licence back after a revocation requires passing a reinstatement knowledge test and paying the applicable fees.
Which Infractions Earn Demerit Points?
Common Infractions and Their Point Values
| Infraction | Demerit Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 11 to 20 km/h over the limit | 1 point |
| Speeding 21 to 30 km/h over the limit | 2 points |
| Speeding 31 to 45 km/h over the limit | 3 points |
| Speeding 46 to 60 km/h over the limit | 5 points |
| Speeding 61 to 80 km/h over the limit | 9 points |
| Speeding more than 80 km/h over the limit | 10 points |
| Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign | 3 points |
| Tailgating (following too closely) | 2 points |
| Disobeying a road sign | 3 points |
| Dangerous driving | up to 12 points |
| Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs) | 12 points |
The full list of infractions that carry demerit points is available on the SAAQ’s website.
Serious Infractions and Immediate Consequences
Some infractions are serious enough that a police officer can suspend your licence on the spot — before any court proceeding. Impaired driving is the most common example.
For learner’s permit and probationary licence holders, Quebec enforces a strict zero-tolerance alcohol policy. Any alcohol-related infraction results in immediate revocation.
One less obvious consequence of accumulating points: they directly affect the cost of renewing your licence. The more points on your record, the more expensive your renewal — up to 20 times the standard rate in extreme cases.
How to Check Your Point Balance
Through SAAQclic
The easiest way to check your demerit point balance is through SAAQclic, the SAAQ’s online portal. Here’s how:
- Go to SAAQclic (saaqclic.saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- Log in using your SAAQ file number and date of birth
- Navigate to the Driving Record section
- Your current demerit point balance and the details of any recorded infractions will appear
Other Ways to Access Your Record
If you don’t have access to SAAQclic, you can visit any SAAQ service centre in person or call 1 800 361-7620.
It’s worth checking your record periodically — especially after receiving a ticket. The gap between the offence and the formal guilty finding can span several months, so points sometimes show up later than expected.
Do Demerit Points Expire?
The 2-Year Window
Yes — demerit points don’t stay on your record forever. They’re automatically removed 2 years after the date of your guilty finding, provided you haven’t added any new infractions during that time.
That 2-year clock starts from the date of the guilty finding, not the date of the offence. If you contested the ticket and the process dragged on, the countdown begins when the court reaches its verdict.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
No — unlike some other Canadian provinces, Quebec has no point recovery courses or programs that can accelerate the removal of demerit points. The only path to a clean record is driving infraction-free for 2 years.
The most effective strategy is prevention: stick to speed limits, keep your phone away while driving, and never drive impaired.
Conclusion
Quebec’s demerit point system is progressive but unforgiving once you cross the threshold. With just 4 points allowed for learner’s and probationary licence holders, a single lapse in judgment can cost you your driving privileges. Full licence holders have more room at 15 points, but serious infractions can eat through that quickly.
The smart move is to check your balance regularly in SAAQclic, know your threshold, and build driving habits that keep your record clean for the long haul.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many demerit points before losing your licence in Quebec?
It depends on your licence type. Learner’s permit and probationary licence holders lose their licence at 4 points. Full Class 5 licence holders hit the limit at 15 points.
How do I check my demerit points in Quebec?
Log into SAAQclic using your SAAQ file number and date of birth. Under the Driving Record section, you’ll see your current point balance and a breakdown of any recorded infractions.
How long do demerit points stay on your record in Quebec?
Demerit points remain on your driving record for 2 years from the date of your guilty finding. They’re removed automatically after that, as long as no new infractions were added during the 2-year period.
What happens if you drive with a revoked licence in Quebec?
Your vehicle will be towed and impounded at your expense for 30 days. You’ll also face a fine of $600 to $2,000, plus court fees.
Do infractions from other provinces count toward Quebec demerit points?
Yes, but only for certain jurisdictions. Infractions committed in Ontario, the state of Maine, and the state of New York are recorded on your Quebec driving record as if they happened in Quebec.