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11 surprising Quebec road laws that could get you fined up to $525 if you break them

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-person-driving-a-car-right-dice-hanging-from-a-car-mirror.jpg?id=61180819&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C39%2C0%2C39"/><br/><br/><p>By this point, many <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/montreal-traffic" target="_blank">Montreal drivers</a> have gotten used to weaving through bike lanes, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-worst-roads-2025" target="_blank">dodging potholes</a>, and <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-parking-new-app" target="_blank">finding parking</a> in construction zones. But staying on the right side of the law? Well, that's a whole other challenge.</p><p>Even if you think you're a decent driver (or cyclist), Quebec's Highway Safety Code is full of <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-strange-laws" target="_blank">obscure rules you might not know about</a>, and breaking them can cost you. </p><p>From fuzzy dice to forbidden brake-checking, here are 11 lesser-known road laws that, if broken, could land you a fine, demerit points, or both. </p><h3>Illegal braking to annoy other drivers</h3><br/><p>Braking suddenly just to mess with the person behind you isn't just petty — it's also illegal. The Highway Safety Code says you can't brake "without necessity," especially if it's to confuse or inconvenience other drivers.</p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $200 – $300 and 2 demerit points</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/c-24.2#se:436" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Section 436</a> of Quebec's Highway Safety Code</p><h3>Parking too close or far to a sidewalk</h3><br/><p>When parallel parking in Quebec, your car must be no more than 30 cm (12 inches) from the edge of the sidewalk or road. It's a small detail that can lead to a parking ticket.</p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> Varies (typically $53 to $79)</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://www.quebec.ca/en/transports/traffic-road-safety/traffic-rules-tips-for-all-vehicles/rules-for-stopping-and-parking-a-vehicle" target="_blank">Gouvernement du Québec</a></p><h3>Fuzzy dice and dashboard clutter</h3><br/><p>Believe it or not, hanging anything from your rearview mirror — like dice, rosaries, or even air fresheners — could be considered an obstruction. The same goes for excessive clutter on your dashboard.</p><p>Back in 2021, a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/hanging-a-mask-on-a-rearview-mirror-in-quebec-could-result-in-a-171-fine" target="_blank">Granby resident made headlines</a> when he was issued a fine for having a COVID mask hanging from his mirror. </p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $171</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/showdoc/cs/C-24.2" target="_blank">Section 442</a> of the Highway Safety Code</p><h3>Wearing earphones while behind the wheel</h3><br/><p>Driving with noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds in both ears is illegal, even if you're not on a call. However, wearing a single earbud is technically allowed.</p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $100 – $200</p><p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/behaviours/distractions/what-law-says" target="_blank">SAAQ</a></p><h3>Honking for no reason</h3><br/><p>Your horn is for safety alerts only. Using it to yell at bad drivers or say "hi" to a friend can get you a ticket in Quebec.</p><p>With that said, the Montreal Canadiens winning a playoff series might get you a free pass to beep freely...</p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $100 or more</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/tourists-newcomers/particularities" target="_blank">SAAQ</a></p><h3>​Tinted windows </h3><br/><p>Your car's window tint might look cool, but it can cost you some serious dough.</p><p>While they're allowed in Quebec, the laws of the road say that front-side windows must allow at least 70% of light in. Windshields can only have a 15 cm tinted strip up top.</p><p> Violating these tint laws comes with surprisingly hefty fines, especially for heavy vehicles.</p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $154 – $274 for passenger vehicles; up to $525 for heavy vehicles</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/handcrafted-modified-rebuilt-vehicle/tinted-windows" target="_blank">SAAQ</a></p><h3>Driving too slow</h3><br/><p>Yes, speeding is bad, but going way too slow can get you a ticket, too. If you're impeding traffic without a valid reason, police can pull you over.</p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $100 (or more)</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://www.quebec.ca/en/transports/traffic-road-safety/traffic-rules-tips-for-all-vehicles/speed-limit" target="_blank">Gouvernement du Québec</a></p><h3>Taking your hands off the handlebars</h3><br/><p>If you're riding your bike hands-free (maybe filming a TikTok or digging through your backpack), you could be fined. Quebec law says cyclists must have at least one hand on the bars at all times.</p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $80–$100</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/bicycle/what-the-law-says" target="_blank">SAAQ</a></p><h3>Wearing earphones while biking</h3><br/><p>Just like drivers, cyclists can be fined for using headphones that impair their hearing. </p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $80 - $100</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/bicycle/what-the-law-says" target="_blank">SAAQ</a></p><h3>Riding your bike on a sidewalk</h3><br/><p>Unless you're under 14 or accompanying a child, biking on the sidewalk is generally banned throughout the province. Doing so could get you hit with a hefty fine. </p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $80 – $100</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/bicycle/what-the-law-says" target="_blank">SAAQ</a></p><h3>Adding a passenger to your bike</h3><br/><p>Riding with a buddy on a bike meant for one is a no-go unless it's equipped for passengers. That means no pegs, handlebars, or milk crates as makeshift seats.</p><p><strong>Fine:</strong> $80 – $100</p><p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/bicycle/what-the-law-says" target="_blank">SAAQ</a></p><p><br/></p>