The regulation in question is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of motor vehicles and internal combustion engines in Québec. It lays out specific prohibitions concerning the sale, lease, and exhibition of motor vehicles and engines in the province. The regulation applies to motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg or less, excluding mopeds and motorcycles as defined by the Highway Safety Code.

A key aspect of the regulation is that, beginning in 2034, motor vehicles offered for sale or lease in Québec must be propelled solely by electric motors. This includes vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells or other non-polluting propulsion methods, provided the only pollutant-emitting element is the vehicle’s air conditioning. Specifically, the regulation prohibits the sale or lease of new motor vehicles from the 2034 model year and beyond, which are not electric, as well as the offering or leasing of these vehicles for more than 120 consecutive days. Emergency vehicles are exempt from this prohibition.

Additionally, the regulation prohibits the sale or lease of internal combustion engines for use in new or used motor vehicles. This applies irrespective of the engine’s model year. However, exceptions are made for the sale or lease of an engine if it is intended to replace the engine of a motor vehicle purchased in Québec, as long as the new engine is of the same or later model year, and its fuel consumption is not higher than the original engine’s.

Penalties for violating these provisions are significant. Individuals found in violation of the sale or lease restrictions on internal combustion engines face administrative penalties ranging from $1,000 for individuals to $5,000 for others. In cases where the regulations on electric vehicles are breached, individuals could face fines from $10,000 to $1,000,000, and businesses could be fined between $30,000 and $6,000,000. Further violations related to the sale of internal combustion engines can lead to fines ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 for individuals and from $15,000 to $3,000,000 for other entities.

The regulation is set to come into force on January 1, 2034, with certain sections, including those concerning the sale of internal combustion engines, coming into effect on December 31, 2035. This timeline reflects the government’s goal of gradually transitioning the province towards cleaner transportation options while still accommodating specific exceptions, such as the replacement of engines in vehicles already in use.

The overarching aim of the regulation is to reduce emissions from transportation, encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, and ensure that Québec remains in compliance with broader environmental protection efforts.

Quebec (1772-2024) December 26, 2024