This Thursday (April 18, 2019), Quebec’s Highway Safety Code reform comes into effect, and brings with it many changes to how motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will use our public roads and interact with each other.
Both levels of government have tightened highway safety rules twice in 2018: in June, Quebec’s rules around distracted driving were updated and toughened. In December, federal laws around impaired driving were toughened.
Here are some of the major changes for 2019 you should be aware of!
BABY SEATS MANDATORY UNTIL 9 YEARS
Baby seats will now be mandatory for all children under 9 years of age who measure less than 145 cm (4’7”). This represents 97% of 9-year-olds. Parents and guardians who wish to drive with their children in the vehicle must also use child seats that comply with Canadian safety regulations and bear the National Safety Mark. The penalty if caught breaking these rules will be $80 to $100 and 3 demerit points.
CYCLISTS CAN CROSS AT PEDESTRIAN LIGHTS
Starting April 18, cyclists will be allowed to cross at pedestrian lights. Previously, this was forbidden; cyclists used to have to wait, or dismount their bikes and walk across.
However, cyclists will need to respect the following rules when crossing at a pedestrian light:
- They must do so at a reasonable speed;
- They must stop and allow pedestrians to cross first.