On March 9, 2023, a ministerial order was issued under the Highway Safety Code in Quebec to address issues related to driver’s license renewals. This order seeks to mitigate penalties for drivers affected by disruptions in license renewal services.

The Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility issued this order in response to difficulties encountered by drivers due to service limitations at the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). Under section 633.2 of the Highway Safety Code, the Minister is empowered to temporarily amend regulations to serve public interests and uphold highway safety.

Between January 25, 2023 to March 9, 2023, the SAAQ experienced significant service interruptions due to the implementation of a new computer system. These disruptions resulted in extended waiting times and impeded drivers from renewing their licenses before expiration. Consequently, drivers who failed to renew their licenses on time were at risk of fines and vehicle seizures, as stipulated by the Highway Safety Code.

The order suspends penalties for drivers whose licenses expired between January 25, 2023, and March 9, 2023. It specifically halts the imposition of fines and the seizure of vehicles for those affected by this period. This suspension will be in effect from the date of the order’s publication for a duration of 90 days.

The suspension was deemed necessary due to:

• • • Service limitations imposed by the SAAQ from January 26, 2023, due to the transition to a new computer system.
    • Increased workload and delays at service centers caused by the new system’s implementation.
    • The need to prevent unfair penalties for drivers who could not renew their licenses due to circumstances beyond their control.
    • The suspension specifically affects provisions of the Highway Safety Code related to fines and vehicle seizures for driving with an expired license.

The primary aim of this order is to offer relief to drivers impacted by the SAAQ’s service limitations and to ensure that penalties for expired licenses are not applied unfairly during this period of administrative disruption.  This ministerial order provides a temporary suspension of penalties for expired driver’s licenses due to exceptional service disruptions, ensuring fairness while maintaining a focus on road safety and compliance.

Source: Quebec 2023-08, March 10, 2023.