SAAQ - Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec Highway Safety Code Rules Questions and Answers

Question 1

You are driving on a highway with a posted speed limit of 100 km/h. You approach a stopped emergency vehicle with its flashing lights activated on the right shoulder. Which of the following actions is required by the Highway Safety Code?

Accepted Answer

Slow down significantly and, if safe to do so, change to a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle.

Answer

Quebec's 'Move-Over Law' (corridor de sécurité) requires drivers to slow down to a safe and reasonable speed and, when possible and safe, to change lanes to create a buffer between their vehicle and a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or surveillance vehicle with its lights activated. This protects emergency responders and workers.

Question 2

Under what circumstances is a driver in Quebec permitted to use a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Under no circumstances, as it is strictly prohibited to hold a portable electronic device while driving.

Answer

The Highway Safety Code explicitly forbids holding any portable electronic device while driving. This includes when the vehicle is temporarily stopped in a traffic lane, such as at a red light or in a traffic jam. To use a phone, it must be mounted on a stand and used for information relevant to driving, or operated via a hands-free system.

Question 3

When passing a cyclist on a road with a speed limit of 60 km/h, what is the minimum required distance you must maintain between your vehicle and the cyclist?

Accepted Answer

1.5 metres

Answer

The Highway Safety Code specifies the minimum distance for passing a cyclist, which depends on the speed limit. On a road where the speed limit is over 50 km/h, drivers must maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres. If the speed limit is 50 km/h or less, the minimum distance is 1 metre.

Question 4

A driver is found guilty of using a cell phone while driving for the first time. Which of the following penalties will they face?

Accepted Answer

A fine between $300 and $600 and 5 demerit points.

Answer

For a first offence of using a hand-held electronic device while driving, the penalties are a fine ranging from $300 to $600 and the addition of 5 demerit points to the driver's record. Repeat offences within a two-year period lead to harsher penalties, including immediate licence suspension.

Question 5

You approach a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop sign extended. You are on the opposite side of a highway that is separated by a median. What must you do?

Accepted Answer

Proceed with caution, as you are not required to stop because of the median.

Answer

The Highway Safety Code requires all traffic to stop at least 5 metres from a school bus with its red lights flashing. However, an exception is made for vehicles traveling on the opposite side of a road that is separated by a median or other physical divider. In this scenario, you are not required to stop.

(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 Highway Safety Code Rules Questions and Answers