CAA-Québec (CAA-AAA)
Emergency roadside assistance is available 24 hours a day, every day.
Telephone: 1-800-222-4357
Cellular phone use while driving
Since April 1, 2008, the use of a hand-held cell phone must be used with the "hands-free" function while driving.
Driver's licence
For tourists from certain countries or as a precautionary measure, it is preferable to obtain an international driver's licence.
Gas
In Québec, gasoline is sold by the litre (1 US gallon = 3.8 liters).
Parking in Old Québec and Old Port
Most downtown and surrounding area streets have parking meters or only allow residents of the area who have parking stickers unlimited parking. There are also numerous public paying parking lots. Note: public transit is available throughout the downtown core.
Regulations during the winter season are different from November 1 to April 30, when snow removal operations are carried out on city streets. Motorists may get updates on the situation by dialing the snow removal information line at: 418-641-6666. This information is updated twice a day: at 7:15 am and at 4:00 pm.
Parking for disabled persons holding a permit
Disabled parking permit holders may park their vehicle in front of a parking meter free of charge without exceeding the maximum parking time permitted for 10 and 5 hour meters. However, parking meters with a two hour limit allow for an extra 60 minutes of parking.
Parking meters
Unless otherwise indicated, parking meters are in operation Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm as well as Sunday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
They are not in operation during statutory holidays (with the exception of those along the rue de la Maréchaussée).
Parking in front of a defective or covered parking meter is prohibited. Should a motorist discover that a parking meter is defective after having already inserted money, he or she may ask for a refund by contacting a city employee at 418-641-6001.
Radar detector
The use and transportation of radar detectors are illegal in Québec.
Reserved bus lanes
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 only) 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.
Road conditions
Call 511 or consult the Transports Québec web site.
Road signs
In Québec, road signs are in French. However, most signs also include international symbols.
Seatbelts
Seatbelt use is compulsory.
Speed limits
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.
Turns at traffic lights
Those turning left at traffic lights have the right of way when the green light flashes or when an arrow appears. 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.
Winter tires
From December 15 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.