Summary#
This Quebec bill aims to protect people buying used passenger cars, especially in private sales. It makes private sellers prove the car is free of liens (a lender’s claim on the car) by giving the buyer a verification notice from the SAAQ (the provincial motor vehicle agency). If the notice misses a lien that was actually registered, the buyer can be compensated. Used-car dealers must also show lien results on the window label.
- Private sellers must give buyers an SAAQ “verification notice” that shows if any liens are on the car.
- Sellers must clear any car loans or liens before the sale, unless the buyer agrees to take over the debt.
- A private seller who fails to provide the notice can be fined $200 to $300.
- The SAAQ must check Quebec’s RDPRM (the public registry for loans and liens on movable property) when issuing the notice for private sales.
- If a registered lien is left off the notice and harms the buyer, the SAAQ must compensate the buyer.
- Dealers must add the result of their RDPRM check to the used-car information label on the vehicle.
What it means for you#
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Buyers in private sales
- You should receive an SAAQ verification notice before you buy. It shows if the car has any registered liens.
- If a lien was registered but left off the notice and a lender later seizes the car or demands payment, you may be eligible for compensation from the SAAQ.
- You can still choose to take over an existing loan, but it must be clear and agreed to.
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Private sellers
- Before selling, you must request the verification notice from the SAAQ and give it to the buyer.
- You must pay off any liens on the car before the sale, unless the buyer agrees to assume the debt.
- If you do not give the notice, you could face a fine of $200 to $300.
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Used-car dealers
- You must add the result of your RDPRM lien check to the required window label on each used car.
- This makes the car’s lien status visible to shoppers at the lot.
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SAAQ (provincial agency)
- You will verify the RDPRM when a verification notice is requested for a private sale of a passenger vehicle.
- You will run a compensation program for buyers hurt by a missed, but properly registered, lien in an SAAQ notice.
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
Proponents' View#
- This reduces the risk of buying a used car that still has someone else’s loan or lien on it.
- Clear duties and a small fine push private sellers to do the proper check and share it with buyers.
- Requiring dealers to post lien results on the window label improves transparency on the lot.
- An SAAQ-backed compensation promise gives buyers a safety net if an official notice is wrong.
- Standardizing the process (one notice, one registry check) makes private sales simpler and safer.
Opponents' View#
- It adds steps and paperwork for private sellers, which could slow or complicate simple person‑to‑person sales.
- Some may see the fine as harsh for honest mistakes or if the seller struggles to get the notice in time.
- The SAAQ faces new administrative work and potential payout costs if notices miss registered liens.
- Buyers might rely too much on the notice and skip their own diligence, which could cause problems if other issues exist.
- Dealers may face small added compliance costs to update labels and keep checks up to date.