694 - Le Québec abaisse la limite d'alcool au volant à 0,05. | Quebec

Summary#

This bill changes Quebec’s road safety law to crack down on drinking and driving at lower alcohol levels.
It makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% (50 mg per 100 ml of blood) or higher, with quick roadside penalties.
Repeat offenders face longer suspensions and must complete screenings and education. In some cases, they may need an ignition interlock device (a breath test to start the car).

Key changes:

New provincial limit: driving at 0.05% blood alcohol or higher is banned.
Police can suspend your licence on the spot if a roadside tester or breathalyzer shows 0.05% or more.
Suspension lengths: 3 days (first time), 7 days (second time within 5 years), at least 90 days (any later time within 5 years).
For a third or later suspension, you must pass an alcohol/drug use screening (and a full assessment if you don’t pass the first one) and complete an awareness program; in some cases, you must use an ignition interlock device.
Drivers licensed in another province or country get a 30‑day driving ban in Quebec; Quebec will also block them from getting a local licence during that time.
Takes effect on the date the law is officially approved.

All drivers
- You can lose your licence for 3 days if you drive at 0.05% or higher, even if you are below the criminal limit of 0.08%.
- A second time within 5 years brings a 7‑day suspension. A third time (or more) within 5 years brings at least 90 days off the road.
- Police can issue the suspension right away at the roadside based on a screening test or a breathalyzer result.
Repeat offenders (third time or more within 5 years)
- To get your licence back after the long suspension, you must pass a brief alcohol/drug use screening. If you don’t pass, you must do a full assessment.
- You must complete an awareness program after paying the related fees.
- In some cases, you will be allowed to drive only with an ignition interlock device installed.
Out‑of‑province visitors
- If you blow 0.05% or higher, you can be banned from driving in Quebec for 30 days. Quebec will also suspend your right to get a Quebec licence during that time.
Workers who drive for their job
- A 3‑ or 7‑day suspension can disrupt shifts or income.
- An ignition interlock requirement may limit use of employer vehicles unless they are equipped.

No publicly available information.

For affected drivers: you must pay fees for the awareness program; if required to use an ignition interlock, you typically pay for installation and monitoring.
For government: more roadside enforcement and administrative processing by police and the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (licensing agency).

Lowering the limit to 0.05% will deter drinking and driving and prevent crashes and injuries.
Quick, certain penalties at the roadside are more effective than waiting for court cases.
Education, screening, and interlock devices help change behavior and reduce repeat offenses.
Aligns Quebec with several other provinces that use 0.05% administrative penalties.
Protects other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, by addressing risk at lower alcohol levels.

Penalizes drivers who are under the criminal limit, including people who had one or two drinks with a meal.
Immediate suspensions without a court conviction may feel unfair or heavy‑handed.
Roadside screening devices can have a margin of error near 0.05%, which could lead to disputes.
Short suspensions and added requirements can harm workers who rely on driving, and costs for programs or devices can be a burden.
May add pressure on police and the licensing agency to manage more suspensions and follow‑up steps.