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Seat Belts

The safety belt is recognized as the best protective measure for people in cars. It reduces the risks by half of being killed or seriously injured during a collision and the Highway Safety Code requires all occupants to wear a safety belt, specifically those reserved for the seat that they occupy.

The driver’s responsibilities with passengers 16 years of age or younger

Drivers are responsible for ensuring that their passengers under the age of 16 use their seat belts correctly. Drivers could receive a fine and demerit points for non-compliance with this rule.

From the age of 14 and up to the age of 16, the passenger and the driver share the responsibility for ensuring the seat belt is worn. They both could receive a ticket if the passenger does not wear their seat belt correctly.

From the age of 16, any person who does not fasten his seatbelt assumes the penalties provided for by law.

Infractions and penalties

Infractions

Penalties plus applicable fees

Driver of a road vehicle not wearing the seat's allotted safety belt correctly

$200

3 points

Passenger of a road vehicle not wearing the seat's allotted safety belt correctly

$200 

3 points

Driving a road vehicle with a passenger under 16 years of age who does not wear the safety belt correctly

$80

3 points

Driver of a vehicle built after 1973 with more passengers than places provided with safety belts installed by the manufacturer

$200

 

Exemptions

Exemptions 

  • Driver backing up
  • Has a doctor's certificate from the SAAQ*

* To benefit from the exemption, holders must carry their certificate and provide it to the officer upon request.