Road safety: prohibition of non-compliant motorcycles and scooters throughout Quebec

Road safety is a major issue for Quebec, especially concerning the circulation of motorcycles, scooters, and other two-wheel vehicles. For several years, new regulations have been coming into effect, aimed at banning non-compliant vehicles on the roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths of the province. This initiative has sparked numerous debates and concerns among road users, but also applause from those advocating for more responsible and safe driving. From now on, road vigilance is more essential than ever, and severe fines await offenders.

Non-compliant motorcycles and scooters banned everywhere in Quebec

Starting Tuesday, a new directive will make it illegal to circulate unregistered scooters, motorcycles, and mopeds throughout the Quebec territory. The Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation (SAAQ) has emphasized that these vehicles, often lacking safety certificates, pose a real danger to road users' safety.

Indeed, for many citizens, this is a long-awaited decision as these machines often circulated without adherence to safety rules, endangering the lives of cyclists and pedestrians. Users of these vehicles had already been warned by the SAAQ, which had alerted the public about the dangers associated with the presence of these unregulated vehicles on the roads and bicycle paths. A fine ranging from $300 to $600 will now be imposed on anyone who violates this new regulation.

The decision to ban these vehicles was made after numerous reports indicated that these "fake motorcycles" harmed road safety. Models of electric scooters or mopeds that resemble real motorcycles have flooded the market, making situations even more ambiguous for the Road Brigade officers.

The main types of vehicles affected include:

• Vehicles without registration equipped with a foot platform or footrests.
• Vehicles that can reach speeds over 32 km/h.
• Models without adjustable height seats.

These new regulations are part of a series of efforts by the authorities to frame and regulate the circulation of two-wheel vehicles. By addressing this situation, Quebec hopes to enhance road safety and reduce accidents caused by non-compliant vehicles.

This reinforcement in road safety policy should not be seen as an abusive restriction. On the contrary, it is an essential step to improve road vigilance and encourage users to prioritize responsible driving practices.

Scooters and motorcycles banned: which are concerned?

It is essential to clarify which categories of vehicles are subject to this ban. The various motivations behind this regulation have been shared by the SAAQ, which emphasizes the importance of keeping the roads safe. Non-compliant vehicles are not only unreliable, but they are also often too powerful to be considered safe for driving on public roads.

When the SAAQ refers to these non-compliant vehicles, it includes many types of scooters, motorcycles, and other machines that do not meet the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) which entail registration and regulatory requirements.

More specifically, the categories of prohibited vehicles include:

• Recent models resembling mopeds, often faster than the allowed limits.
• Retro-styled motorcycles, lacking the necessary certification.
• Scooters that can be modified to exceed speed standards.

However, the regulation also proposes exemptions. Motorcycles and mopeds manufactured before January 1971 remain allowed, as well as those meeting safety requirements even if they are over 15 years old.

Additionally, the list of exemptions includes handmade motorcycles recognized by the SAAQ, as well as off-road vehicles. This means that enthusiasts of vintage motorcycles, for example, can continue to enjoy their machines without fear of violating the law.

In this context, it is also worth noting that educational campaigns have been launched by the SAAQ and other organizations like ActiVélo to encourage users to familiarize themselves with the laws on motorized vehicles. The aim is to inform about the implications of non-compliance with standards, particularly concerning the necessary insurance and certifications for proper driving practice.

Alert, the Paris council is studying the possibility of banning non-compliant motorcycles

It is relevant to mention that this situation is not unique to Quebec. Other major cities on the international scene, like Paris, are looking into issues of regulating non-compliant motorcycles and scooters.

In Paris, a trend is emerging where the regulation is aligned with that of cities like Madrid, which has established similar regulations limiting the circulation of motorized two-wheelers under certain conditions, particularly at night. This raises ethical questions about road access for various types of motor vehicles and the implications it could have on the behavior of road users.

Comparisons between the policies of Quebec and those of other provinces or countries suggest a growing trend towards strict regulation of motorized vehicles, in line with global efforts to protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Here is a comparative overview of the policies in place:

As a province, Quebec is part of a broader movement aiming to reform mobility practices in urban environments. This also goes hand in hand with road education initiatives to strengthen responsible driving.

Ban on non-compliant motorcycles and mopeds from circulating

From now on, vigilance is required. Non-compliant motorcycles and mopeds must imperative stay off public roads. The SAAQ has clearly indicated that these vehicles, if they do not comply with the new standards, will face severe consequences. Safety must come first, and the authorities are working to make public spaces safer for everyone.