SAAQ - Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 20-year-old driver with a probationary licence is pulled over at a roadside check. They have had one standard glass of wine with dinner. What is the immediate consequence under Quebec's Highway Safety Code?

Accepted Answer

An immediate 90-day licence suspension, 4 demerit points, and a fine.

Answer

Quebec has a zero-alcohol rule for all new drivers (learner's or probationary licence) and any driver under the age of 22. Any detectable amount of alcohol results in severe penalties, including an immediate 90-day licence suspension, 4 demerit points, and a fine ranging from $300 to $600.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding driving and cannabis use in Quebec?

Accepted Answer

Driving with a detectable amount of cannabis in your saliva is prohibited.

Answer

Quebec has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs, including cannabis, for all drivers. The law prohibits driving a vehicle with a detectable presence of cannabis or other specified drugs in one's saliva. Police can use roadside saliva tests or physical coordination tests to detect drug-impaired drivers.

Question 3

A driver is convicted of their first criminal impaired driving offence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 100 mg/100 ml (0.10). Which of the following is a guaranteed penalty?

Accepted Answer

A minimum one-year driving prohibition and a criminal record.

Answer

A first criminal conviction for impaired driving in Quebec results in several serious penalties. These include a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000, a prohibition from driving for at least one year, and a criminal record.

Question 4

If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe a driver is impaired, what can happen if the driver refuses to provide a breath sample without a reasonable excuse?

Accepted Answer

The driver will receive the same, or more severe, penalties as for driving with a high BAC.

Answer

Refusing to comply with a police officer's demand for a breath or saliva sample without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. The penalties for refusal are equivalent to, and can sometimes be more severe than, those for driving with a high blood alcohol concentration (over 0.16), including immediate licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, and criminal charges.

Question 5

A driver is found asleep in the driver's seat of their parked car with the keys in the ignition, and their BAC is over the legal limit. According to Quebec law, this driver could be charged with:

Accepted Answer

Having care or control of a vehicle while impaired.

Answer

The law prohibits not only driving while impaired but also having 'care or control' of a vehicle. This can include being in the driver's seat with the ability to start the vehicle, even if it's not moving. The potential to set the vehicle in motion is sufficient for charges to be laid.

(SAAQ) Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec Practice Test

(SAAQ) Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec Practice Test

SAAQ - Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving Questions and Answers