Feature Story
Current event…the Highway Safety Code will be more severe
Last December, the government adopted a bill to change the Highway Safety Code and the Regulation respecting demerit points. The new rules, some of which will come into effect this year, may impact all drivers. Do you know these rules?
The bill addresses a variety of road safety issues, including stricter sanctions for drinking and driving, and the use of photo-radars. In the text that follows, Éducaloi explains the new rules on speeding, using cell phones while driving, and winter tires.
Can I really be stopped just because I am driving while holding a phone?
Yes. Starting April 1st, drivers will be not be allowed to drive while holding a “hand-held device that includes a telephone function”. You could be fined $80 to $100 and get 3 demerit points, even if your driving is otherwise faultless.
Take note that only holding a telephone while driving is forbidden. Drivers will still be able to use “hands-free” telephones, whether wireless or not. The law also allows the drivers of emergency vehicles to continue to use their radios while driving, even though these are hand-held devices that include a telephone function.
I own a delivery business. I need to reach my drivers easily! Will they be able to take my calls while on the road?
Only if they have a “hands-free” telephone. The law does not distinguish between personal use and professional use of the telephone.
Drivers can still have their cell phones with them while they drive. However, they must safely park their vehicle before using their cell phones.
How do I know if it is time to put on my winter tires?
This decision will no longer be left to drivers…or to Mother Nature! Starting next autumn, drivers will be required to use winter tires from November 15 to April 1, even if the weather is mild and there is no snow or ice on the roads.
This rule also applies to car rental companies.
Drivers still using "all season" tires between November 15 and April 1 could be fined between $200 and $300.
What do the new rules say about speeding?
Driving above the speed limit remains an offence that can lead to fines and demerit points.
The new rules impose additional sanctions on drivers who not only go beyond the speed limit, but also drive at excessive speeds.
Under the new law, “excessive speeding” is defined as follows:
- Exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h (in a 60 km/h or less zone)
- Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h (in a 90 km/h or less zone)
- Exceeding the speed limit by 60 km/h (in a 100 km/h or more zone)
Starting April 1, 2008, more demerits points will be imposed on drivers driving at an excessive speed. For example, driving 120 km/h in a 70 km/h zone will result in ten demerit points on your record, instead of five.
In addition, the fine for excessive speeding will be double the standard fine imposed by the Highway Safety Code. Also, the person stopped for excessive speeding could have his driver’s licence immediately suspended for seven days.
For repeat offenders, the fine will be tripled and the driver’s license could be immediately suspended for 30 days for a second offense and 60 days for subsequent offenses.