Pleading Not Guilty to a Ticket

In briefPleading not guilty to a ticket in Quebec means exercising your right to contest. You file your plea within 30 days, you can request disclosure of the evidence, then a hearing date is set before the municipal court.

Guilty or not guilty?

Pleading guilty (or simply paying) immediately records the points and the fine. Pleading not guilty suspends that and opens the door to a contest.

How to file your plea

You use the response form attached to the ticket, checking "not guilty", and file it according to the relevant municipal court's process (online, by mail or at the counter), within 30 days.

Requesting disclosure of evidence

Before the hearing, you can ask the prosecutor for disclosure of the evidence (officer's report, measuring-device data). This evidence is essential to prepare the defence.

The hearing

At the hearing, the prosecutor must prove the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. You can present your arguments, cross-examine and raise procedural defects. Representation by a lawyer can often avoid or simplify your appearance.

Frequently asked questions

Information verified Juin 2026. Sources: SAAQ, LégisQuébec (Highway Safety Code). For information only — no guarantee of outcome. SAAQ — demerit pointsHighway Safety CodeCode of Penal Procedure