Demerit points, alcohol, unpaid fines or medical reasons: why a licence is suspended and what your options are.
In briefIn Quebec, the SAAQ can suspend or revoke your licence for several reasons: accumulation of demerit points, criminal offence (alcohol, dangerous driving), unpaid fines or medical reasons. Depending on the cause, a review or appeal may be available.
Your licence is revoked when you reach the applicable threshold: 4 points (learner or probationary), 8 (under 23), 12 (23-24) or 15 (25 and over). Revocation lasts from 3 to 12 months depending on points accumulated and recent history.
A blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more, or refusing a sample, triggers an immediate 90-day suspension. A criminal impaired-driving conviction means revocation of 1 year (1st), 3 years (2nd) then 5 years, with an ignition interlock on reinstatement.
Unpaid fines lead to suspension of the licence and registration until full payment. The SAAQ can also suspend for medical unfitness, with reinstatement then requiring new medical evidence.
Reinstatement after a points revocation may require a reintegration exam and fees; after 3 years, retaking the exams. An alcohol-related suspension can be the subject of a review request to the SAAQ, then an appeal to the Administrative Tribunal of Quebec.
| Learner / probationary | 4 points |
|---|---|
| Under 23 | 8 points |
| 23-24 | 12 points |
| 25 and over | 15 points |
| Alcohol (0.08 or refusal) | Immediate 90-day suspension |
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