Contest a traffic ticket in Quebec

1. How do I contest a traffic ticket in Quebec?

To contest a traffic ticket in Quebec, you must file a not-guilty plea with the municipal court indicated on the statement of offence within 30 days of service.

Steps:

• Check the "I plead not guilty" box on the back of the statement
• Send the signed statement to the municipal court (by mail or in person)
• The court will set a hearing date (2-6 months typically)
• Request disclosure of evidence in writing (sections 161-162 of the Code of Penal Procedure)
• Prepare your defence or hire a lawyer

2. What is the deadline to contest?

You have 30 days from the date of service of the statement to submit your plea. After this deadline, a default judgment may be issued against you.

A retraction of judgment procedure exists if you have a valid reason for missing the deadline (relocation, illness, non-receipt of the statement).

3. How much does it cost to contest?

The contestation itself is free — you pay nothing to plead not guilty.

• If you lose: fine + court costs (typically 10-20% of the fine)
• If you hire a lawyer: $300 to $1,500 depending on complexity
• Preliminary case analysis: free on AITicketInfo

4. How do I request disclosure of evidence?

Under sections 161-162 of the Code of Penal Procedure, you have the right to receive all evidence the prosecutor intends to use against you.

Items included in disclosure:

• Officer's report and handwritten notes
• Photos, video if applicable
• Calibration certificates (radar, breathalyzer)
• Officer's equipment training certificates
• Plans and measurements for accidents

Send a written letter to the municipal court. AITicketInfo automatically generates this pre-filled letter.

5. What are the most common flaws?

Flaws frequently detected in statements of offence:

• Radar calibration certificate expired or missing
• Incomplete information: officer's name, badge number, signature
• Errors in the cited Highway Safety Code section (wrong number, wrong version)
• Incorrect date or time of the offence
• Vague description of location (imprecise address)
• Officer's equipment training not documented
• Road signage not compliant at the time of the offence (hidden or worn signs)
• Jordan delay exceeded (more than 18 months between charge and trial)

6. What is the real acquittal rate in Quebec?

According to public data from Quebec courts, the acquittal rate varies:

• Speeding: 15-35% depending on municipal court and lawyer presence
• Cell phone while driving: 20-30%
• Running a red light: 10-25%
• Failure to stop: 15-30%
• Excessive speeding: 5-15% (more difficult)

Cases with a lawyer from the Barreau du Quebec specialized in traffic law have an above-average acquittal rate.

7. Do I need a lawyer to contest?

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended for:

• Excessive speeding (licence suspension)
• Impaired driving / alcohol
• Repeat cell phone offences (loss of licence)
• Accumulation of demerit points
• Criminal charges (dangerous driving, hit-and-run)

For small tickets (parking, pedestrian), you can represent yourself. AITicketInfo automatically refers you to a lawyer in your territory if relevant.

8. How many demerit points by excess?

SAAQ scale of points for speeding:

• 1-10 km/h over: 1 point
• 11-20 km/h: 2 points
• 21-30 km/h: 3 points
• 31-45 km/h: 5 points
• 46-60 km/h: 7 points
• 61-80 km/h: 9 points
• 81-100 km/h: 12 points
• 101+ km/h: 15 points (immediate suspension)

Excessive speeding (40+ km/h over in ≤60 zone, 50+ km/h in 70-90 zone, 60+ km/h in 100+ zone) also triggers immediate licence suspension and doubles the fine.

9. What is section 128 of the Barreau Act?

Section 128 of the Barreau du Quebec Act reserves to members of the Barreau:

• Giving legal consultations and opinions
• Drafting legal documents for others
• Acting in court on behalf of others

AITicketInfo does not provide legal advice — we provide statistical information based on public judgments and flaw detection. For personalized advice, consult a lawyer of the Barreau du Quebec.

10. How does retraction work?

If you were convicted by default (you did not respond within 30 days), you can request a retraction of judgment.

Required conditions:

• Prove you did not receive the statement OR
• Prove you had a valid reason for missing the deadline
• Accepted reasons: serious illness, recent relocation, postal error, family emergency

The request is made in writing to the municipal court with reasons and evidence. Deadline: typically 30 days after becoming aware of the judgment. AITicketInfo automatically generates the retraction letter.