The myths of summer driving

Can I transport my favourite pet in my car?

The Highway Safety Code says an animal must not obstruct your view or interfere with your driving. In case of an accident, your pet could become an actual projectile and injure or even kill the vehicle’s occupants! CAA-Quebec recommends using cages or travel harnesses to keep everyone safe.

Can I transport a mattress on a car roof?

Section 442 of the Highway Safety Code says no one may drive a road vehicle when an object is placed in a way that obstructs the driver’s view or interferes with driving. In other words, it’s not prohibited as such. But if a police officer considers that your mattress isn’t properly secured or that it’s moving around or endangering the vehicle’s stability, you could be ticketed, with a fine. Caution is called for, and a properly fastened mattress in a trailer will always be safer for you and for other motorists.

Can I drive in flip-flops?

There’s no rule prohibiting you from driving in sandals or requiring you to wear closed shoes. However, CAA‑Quebec recommends at the very least that that you select footwear with a retaining strap at the heels to give you better control of the pedals and to increase safety in case of rapid braking. This also lowers the risk of a flip‑flop falling off or getting caught under a pedal.

Can I hitchhike on an expressway?

According to the Highway Safety Code, pedestrians aren’t allowed to be on the roadway to solicit transportation, to talk with the occupant of a vehicle or to walk along a limited-access highway (expressway) or on its entry or exit ramps. Hitchhiking is therefore not allowed! It’s also prohibited to bring a vehicle to a halt along a public thoroughfare where the minimum allowable speed is 60 km/h, except in case of necessity. Thus, a driver who stops to pick you up is also committing an offence. CAA-Quebec recommends instead the use of a car-pooling service.

Can I transport a propane tank in my car?

You should note that it’s prohibited to transport more than two 46-litre propane cylinders or more than 30 litres of gasoline in the following tunnels: Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine, Ville-Marie and Viger (in Montreal), Joseph-Samson (in Quebec City) and Melocheville (in Beauharnois). CAA-Quebec TripTik itineraries show you the bypass roads when your route involves one of these tunnels.

If you still want to transport hazardous materials such as gasoline or propane, you have to make sure that:

• They are transported in certified containers intended for this purpose.
• Each container is solidly fastened and placed so as to prevent any other item from striking it during transportation.

Failure to comply with these rules can result in demerit points and a fine. Keep this in mind!

And can I rest in my car to sleep off a bit of wine?

In Quebec, it’s totally illegal to drive a road vehicle or even to have custody or control of it with your driving ability impaired (80 mg/100 ml blood alcohol level for adults, zero tolerance for youths 21 and under). Therefore, you mustn’t be in a situation giving reason to believe that you could put the vehicle in motion, whether or not you’re in the driver’s seat. This includes having the keys to a vehicle nearby and having access to them.

Is it OK to use your four-way flashers in heavy rain or fog? 

Quebec’s Highway Safety Code says that vehicle hazard lights (emergency flashers) are to be used for safety purposes only. Examples include a vehicle that is stopped for the night and vehicles that are moving so slowly they’re likely to impede or obstruct normal traffic. To avoid any confusion, it’s best to use your low beams or fog lights in heavy rain or fog. And if you suspect it’s raining too hard or that the fog is too heavy, stop your vehicle in a safe place and wait until conditions improve.

Is it legal to drive at under 60km/h or over 100km/h on the highway? 

No. In Quebec, you can’t drive a road vehicle slower than 60km/h or faster than 100km/h on the highway. And for your own safety and the safety of everyone else on the road, you should always adjust that speed to road and weather conditions.

Is it legal to warn other motorists about a photoradar or checkstop by blinking your lights? 

Although the Highway Safety Code doesn’t have a specific penalty for someone flashing their lights, it can be considered illegal. That’s because drivers are required to dim their headlights at least 150 metres from an approaching vehicle to avoid blinding the other driver. Otherwise you could be liable for a fine.

Are you allowed not to wear a seatbelt when you’re driving on private property, like in a campground? 

The requirement to wear a seatbelt in the Highway Safety Code—for everyone in the vehicle—applies only to public roads and roads that are operated or maintained by Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune. So it doesn’t apply when you’re on private land. But since seatbelts save lives, CAA-Quebec recommends wearing yours no matter what road you’re on, even if you’re going slowly or not that far. 

Is it allowed to drink a non-alcoholic beer while driving?

Although it’s not prohibited, it’s definitely not a good idea. Extreme caution is called for, even though a drink containing less than 0.5% alcohol should not be considered an alcoholic beverage. Let’s say you are involved in a fender bender, a witness comes up to you and your breath smells like beer—even if the kind you’re drinking doesn’t contain alcohol. That’s all it would take to arouse suspicion. Not only would you have to explain yourself to the police, but they could also issue you with a statement of offence, depending on their perception of the situation. Of course, you could contest the ticket, but to make sure you don’t have to, simply stick to water: it’s still the best way to quench your thirst on the road.

With these few reminders, we wish you happy motoring!