Parking & Driving Tips

eco The best way to get around in Québec City is to leave your car parked and enjoy the many quaint streets by foot. The public transit is also available throughout downtown. 

Where Can I Park my Car Near Old Québec?

Most downtown/Old Québec and surrounding streets have automatic pay stations or allow to park a vehicle for a limited period of time. 

Automatic pay stations: Unless otherwise indicated, automatic pay stations are in operation Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. as well as on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Parking in front of a defective or covered automatic pay station is prohibited. 

A free mobile application is available to help you find an open parking space in real time including a secure payment feature. 

Public parkings: There are many public parking lots. You can also refer to this parking management company: Indigo 

Winter season: From November 1 to April 15, it is prohibited to park in the city streets when snow removal operations are carried out after snowstorms. Pay attention to the orange warning signs (flashing indicators), which are activated prior to the beginning of a snow removal operation.

Parking for disabled persons holding a permit: Disabled parking permit holders may park their vehicle free of charge in front of an automatic pay station for three hours maximum.

Are Road Signs in Québec in English?

In Québec, road signs are in French. However, most signs also include international symbols.

Can I Drive in Québec with a Foreign license?

Holders of a foreign licence are allowed to drive on Québec roads for 6 consecutive months. After that time, they must hold an international driver's permit. It is recommended to obtain an international driving permit if your valid driver's licence is not in English or French. 

Are Winter Tires Mandatory in Québec?

From December 1st to March 15, vehicles registered in Québec (including rental cars) must have tires specifically designed for driving in winter conditions in accordance with the standards set forth by the government.

If a vehicle is not registered in Québec, winter tires are not mandatory. However, their use is highly recommended for safety reasons.

What is the Speed Limit in Québec?

In Québec, speed limits are posted in kilometres/hour (km/h), and distances in kilometres (0.6 miles = 1 km). On highways and major provincial roads, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h, and the minimum, 60 km/h.

What is the Cell Phone Driving Law?

The use of a telephone or other electronic device that has a screen is prohibited while driving. These must be attached to the vehicle with a support provided for this purpose and used in hands-free mode or with voice commands. Their manipulation is only allowed for functions related to the car, such as the GPS for example if the device is attached to the vehicle.

Is it Mandatory to Wear a Seatbelt in Québec?

Seatbelt use is mandatory for the driver and all passengers.

Can you Make a Right Turn on a Red Light in Québec?

Turning right at a red light is permitted at most intersections in the Québec City region. Drivers must come to a full stop before turning and must yield to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians who have already started to cross the intersection.Those turning left at traffic lights have the right of way when the green light flashes or when an arrow appears. 

When Can you Use a Bus Lane?

Lanes reserved for Québec City transit system buses are identified by a white diamond symbol on the pavement, and are separated by double dotted lines. Road signs showing reserved lane hours of operation are posted along the streets and at certain intersections.

During reserved lane hours of operation, motorists ARE FORBIDDEN TO DRIVE, STOP or PARK in the lanes, which are strictly for buses (local transit system and motorcoaches) and taxis. Motorists nearing an intersection may travel short distances in the reserved lanes in order to make a right hand turn. However, they must watch for the dotted line on the pavement indicating when they may do so.

Are Radar Detectors Legal in Québec?

The use and transportation of radar detectors are illegal in Québec.

Where are the charging stations for electric vehicles?

The Electric Network offers an interactive map to find public charging stations for electric vehicles.

Other Information about Driving in Québec City

Road conditions
Call 511 or consult the Transports Québec web site.

Gas
In Québec, gasoline is sold by the litre (1 US gallon = 3.8 litres).

CAA - AAA
Emergency roadside assistance is available 24 hours a day, every day.
Telephone: 1-800-222-4357

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