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 litres).

Parking in downtown and in Old Québec

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. Most downtown and surrounding streets have parking meters or only allow to park a vehicle for a limited period of time. There are many paying parking lots as shown on this Québec City map.

A free mobile application is available for urban transportation including a secure payment feature. This application also let you find an open parking space in real time.

  • Copilote mobile application on Google Play
  • Copilote mobile application at the App Store

Parking meters (automatic pay stations): Unless otherwise indicated, parking meters 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 parking meter is prohibited. Some meters accept credit cards.

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.

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 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.

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.