Most Quebec vs Ontario driving rules look the same, which is exactly why they catch Ottawa drivers. A right turn on red is allowed in Gatineau but banned on the island of Montréal, Quebec fines are set by a detailed schedule, and photo radar tickets go to the vehicle owner. This guide covers what really differs, using SAAQ and Ontario sources.
Most rules match. Watch speed zones and cameras.
Right turn on red is banned on the island. Signs mark entry points.
Winter tires are required in Quebec from Dec 1 to Mar 15.
Right Turn on Red: Allowed in Both, Banned on One Island
In Ontario, you may turn right on a red light only after a complete stop, unless a sign tells you not to. In Quebec, it is also allowed across the province unless a sign prohibits it, with one big exception: the island of Montréal. Signs are posted at entry points such as bridges, tunnels, ferries and the airport.
| Ontario | Quebec | |
|---|---|---|
| Right turn on red | Allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits | Allowed across Quebec after a stop, unless a sign prohibits |
| Banned area | Where signs say so | Island of Montréal, and where signs say so |
| Must you yield? | Wait until the way is clear | Yield to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles crossing or approaching closely |
| Left turn on red | Allowed from a one-way road onto a one-way road, after a full stop | Not confirmed on the SAAQ pages I could open; follow posted signs |
| Penalty for an illegal turn | Fine set by the Highway Traffic Act | $100 to $200 and 3 demerit points |
Sources: SAAQ right-turn-on-red page (last updated December 23, 2024) and the Ontario MTO Driver's Handbook. In Quebec the turn is optional too: honking to pressure a driver who chooses not to turn can also bring a $100 to $200 fine.
Traffic Lights That Look Different
Speed Limits and What Speeding Costs in Quebec
Quebec's default urban limit is 50 km/h, which municipalities may lower, for example to 30 km/h in school zones. Secondary roads are usually 90 km/h, sometimes lower, and autoroutes (most highways) are 100 km/h. SAAQ says fines double in some zones such as school and road work zones; check the signs.
Quebec's speeding fines grow quickly with every km/h over. The chart shows the SAAQ schedule for a 100 km/h zone, which is where many Ottawa drivers head on Autoroute 5 or 50.
Compared with Ontario
Ontario sets speeding fines per km/h over the limit and assigns demerit points by how far over you are: 0 points up to 15 over, 3 points for 16 to 29, 4 points for 30 to 49 and 6 points for 50 or more (from a legal education source last reviewed in 2021, so check the current schedule). At 50 km/h over you are in stunt driving territory in Ontario.
Cameras: Do Not Assume Quebec Works Like Ottawa
Ontario has banned municipal speed cameras, and Ottawa's automated speed enforcement cameras have been off since the ban, according to a Global News report from April 2026. Quebec still uses photo radar and red-light cameras. Per Square One Insurance (a third-party source), the ticket goes to the vehicle owner, notices arrive by mail, and since July 1, 2024 owners can no longer name someone else as the driver. Photo radar tickets do not add demerit points, while tickets issued by an officer can.
Phones, Alcohol and Other Rules That Differ
| Rule | Ontario | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-held phone | $615 first conviction if settled out of court, up to $1,000 in court, plus 3 demerit points | Holding a device is prohibited, even at a red light; hands-free is allowed |
| Alcohol limit | Warn-range and zero-tolerance rules for young and novice drivers (not rechecked here) | 0.08 for drivers 22 and older; zero for under 22 and all new drivers |
| Winter tires | Not required by law | Four winter tires required Dec 1 to Mar 15 |
| Move over for stopped emergency vehicles | Required | $200 to $300 and 4 demerit points if you fail to slow and move over |
| School bus with flashing red lights | Stop | Stop at least 5 metres away; one of the most severely punished offences |
Ontario fines for phones are from ontario.ca (updated July 16, 2025). Quebec rules are from the SAAQ particularities page (updated October 5, 2026). Ontario alcohol and move-over details were not re-checked on a current ontario.ca page.
Before You Cross the Bridge: A 5-Step Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you turn right on red in Quebec?
Yes across Quebec, after a stop and with a yield to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign prohibits it. It is banned on the island of Montréal.
Can you turn right on red in Gatineau?
Yes, unless a sign prohibits it. The island of Montréal is the only area banned by default.
What is the speed limit on Quebec autoroutes?
Usually 100 km/h. Secondary roads are usually 90 km/h, and urban areas default to 50 km/h unless posted lower.
What does a flashing green light mean in Quebec?
You have the right of way to turn left, and oncoming traffic faces a red light. Pedestrians should not cross on it.
Do Quebec speed cameras still operate?
Yes. Quebec uses photo radar and red-light cameras, and the ticket goes to the vehicle owner. Ontario banned municipal speed cameras, and Ottawa's have been off since the ban.
Does Quebec require winter tires for Ontario cars?
The SAAQ says vehicles must have four winter tires from December 1 to March 15. See our Quebec winter tire law post for the Ontario plate details.
Is using a phone at a red light legal in Quebec?
No. Holding a device while driving is prohibited in Quebec, even at red lights. Hands-free use is allowed.
What caught you out in Quebec? Tell me in the comments which rule surprised you on a drive to Gatineau or Montréal, and I will add it to the checklist.
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