How do demerit points work and how can I check my driving record?

General information, not legal advice. In Québec, people who drive a vehicle accumulate demerit points when they are found guilty of certain offences. The threshold that leads to licence revocation depends on your licence and your age: 4 points for a learner's or probationary licence, 8 points under 23, 12 points from 23 to 24, and 15 points at 25 or older. The points stay on your record for 2 years. To see your points, request your driving record from the SAAQ: it is free for yourself.

Key facts

Revocation thresholds

4 points (learner's or probationary licence), 8 points (driver's licence, under 23), 12 points (23 to 24), 15 points (25 or older).

How long points stay on record

For sanction purposes, 2 years from the date of the guilty verdict. For licence payment, 2 years from their date of entry.

Cost of a driving record

Free for yourself.

Time to receive the record

By mail, 5 to 10 business days after your request is received.

Licence revocation

Minimum length of 3 months; it can also be 6 or 12 months depending on the regime, the points accumulated and the most recent sanction in the past 2 years. If you drive while your licence is revoked or suspended, the vehicle is seized for 30 days and the fine ranges from $600.00 to $2,000.00 plus costs.

Offences outside Québec

Reciprocity agreements exist with Ontario, Maine and the State of New York: their offences that carry points may be entered on your record.

Steps

1. Find your points regime: 4 points for a learner's or probationary licence, 8 points for a driver's licence if you are under 23, 12 points if you are 23 or 24, 15 points if you are 25 or older.
2. Know when points are added: when the SAAQ is informed by the judicial bodies of the guilty verdict, that is, when the fine is paid or a judgment is rendered. These bodies have up to 30 days to send the points to the SAAQ.
3. To see your points, request your driving record: in your SAAQclic account, by phone at 1 800 361-7620 or in person at a SAAQ service point.
4. Wait for your record by mail, at the address on file: allow 5 to 10 business days after your request is received. It shows, among other things, your points regime, the points accumulated and the offences committed.
5. Watch your mail: the SAAQ sends you a written notice when you have accumulated a certain number of demerit points, then a revocation notice if you reach or exceed the threshold of your regime.
6. If your licence is revoked, the minimum length is 3 months (it can also be 6 or 12 months). For what comes next (restricted licence, getting a licence back), see the official page.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.