Demerit Points in Quebec

How many points per offence, when your licence is revoked, and how long points stay on your record.

In briefIn Quebec, every Highway Safety Code offence adds demerit points to your driving record. They stay on file for 2 years after a finding of guilt. Past a threshold (which depends on your licence type), the SAAQ revokes your licence.

What are demerit points for?

Demerit points measure accumulated offences. The SAAQ records them as soon as you are found guilty — and paying a fine without contesting is a finding of guilt.

The more points you accumulate, the higher your SAAQ insurance contribution, and the closer you get to revocation.

How many points per offence?

Some benchmarks: following too closely 2 points, red light / stop / solid line 3 points, handheld phone 5 points, passing a school bus 9 points, street racing 12 points. Speeding ranges from 1 to 5 points by severity.

Licence revocation thresholds

The threshold depends on your licence: 4 points (learner or probationary), 8 points (under 23), 12 points (23-24) and 15 points (25 and over). Reaching the threshold triggers a 3, 6 or 12-month revocation.

How long do they stay?

Points are cleared 2 years after the date of the finding of guilt. Contesting a ticket — rather than paying — is often the only way to avoid having points recorded.

Learner / probationary4 points
Under 238 points
23-2412 points
25 and over15 points

Frequently asked questions

How do I remove demerit points in Quebec?
You cannot remove them voluntarily: they clear 2 years after a finding of guilt. To avoid having them recorded, you must contest the ticket before paying.
Does paying my fine add points?
Yes. Paying a ticket without contesting it is a guilty plea, and the demerit points are then recorded.
At how many points do I lose my licence?
Depending on your licence: 4 points (learner/probationary), 8 (under 23), 12 (23-24) or 15 (25 and over).

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

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