43 topics · Updated 2026-09-17
During spring thaw, road resistance decreases by 40% and roads become especially vulnerable to heavy vehicle weight. Each truck pass during thaw impacts pavement like several trucks in normal conditions, so limiting loads is critical. Stricter load limits are enforced during this period.
The load restriction period is usually March to May, with dates adjustable by weather. Québec is divided into three zones: Zone 1 (southern Québec to Rivière-du-Loup), Zone 2 (north of Zone 1), Zone 3 (north of Zone 2). All heavy vehicles are subject to these temporary weight restrictions based on configuration and axle type.
Zones and spring thaw periods can vary from year to year. Drivers should consult Transport Québec's information service and bulletins for details about load limits. Authorized load limits are listed in the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation.
Inattentiveness from driving along monotonous roads requiring little manoeuvering can lead to 'highway hypnosis' and can even cause you to fall asleep at the wheel.
Tired drivers make errors and can cause serious accidents, so you must heed the warning signs of fatigue. Driving on monotonous roads requiring little maneuvering can cause 'highway hypnosis' and even cause you to fall asleep at the wheel.
An engine turning too slowly tends to lurch and can damage the vehicle. An engine turning too fast consumes fuel needlessly and provides no additional power. Consult the manufacturer's manual for recommended RPM ranges.
All engines have a top RPM. Changing gears before reaching that limit (progressive shifting) saves fuel. The tachometer is a more reliable way to determine when to change gears than listening to the engine or checking speed.
An engine turning too slowly lurches and can damage the vehicle. An engine turning too fast wastes fuel and provides no extra power. Consult the manufacturer's manual for recommended RPM ranges.
All engines have a top RPM; change gears before reaching it (progressive shifting) to save fuel. Referring to the tachometer is more reliable than listening to the engine or checking speed.
Check the working order of the windshield blower. In the cab, switch on the blower, direct air flow toward the windshield, and check whether air blows onto it. Only manufacturer-provided components are covered; auxiliary systems are not. Under section 265 of the Highway Safety Code, the windshield must be free of any material (including fog) that reduces driver visibility.
Section 20 applies exclusively to buses and minibuses configured to carry passengers and is in addition to earlier sections. Inspect stanchions, horizontal bars, grab handles, guard panels, and any manufacturer-provided shock-absorbing material from inside the vehicle (e.g., from the central aisle in a vehicle carrying more than 24 passengers). Although the circle check is primarily sight and sound, apply light pressure if in doubt about solidity.
Check the condition of the floor and steps. Inspect steps outside before entering and inspect the visible floor surface inside, especially the central aisle and areas between seats. A defect exists when the floor condition poses a danger to occupants.
Check the working order of the central aisle and passenger entrance lighting systems. Activate the lighting switch for the central aisle, entrance and exit steps and boarding space, and confirm they can be illuminated.
Check the solidity and condition of overhead luggage racks/compartments and passenger seats and benches. Inspect racks to ensure they are securely mounted and can retain luggage. Walk the central aisle to inspect seat/bench position and condition, including folding (one-man) seats. Apply light pressure if in doubt about solidity.
For school buses, check the condition of the retractable stop sign. Activate deployment of the retractable stop sign on the left side of the driver's compartment and check its position relative to the side of the bus from outside. Although a minor defect does not prohibit operation, the Highway Safety Code requires drivers to use the stop sign to take on or discharge school children or persons under 18; if defective and cannot be deployed, the driver may not take on or discharge such persons.
For school buses, check the working order of the flashing red lights. Switch them on and check the front right, front left, rear right and rear left lights from outside. The Highway Safety Code requires drivers to activate flashing red lights to take on or discharge school children or persons under 18.
For school buses, check the working order of the alternately flashing lights on the stop sign. Activate the retractable stop sign and check the flashing lights at the top and bottom.
For school buses, check the alternately flashing lights on the stop sign. Activate the retractable stop sign and check the flashing lights at the top and bottom of the sign.
For school buses, check the working order of the alternately flashing yellow lights. This check must only be performed under safe conditions; do not attempt unsafe manoeuvres. In front, activate the switch and check the front yellow lights through the convex mirrors. In the rear, activate the switch, open the rear door, and safely check the rear yellow lights. Record in the report if the check could not be safely performed.
Check the solidity and condition of overhead luggage racks or compartments inside the passenger compartment. Make sure they are securely mounted and can retain luggage safely; apply light pressure if in doubt.
Check passenger seats and benches while walking the central aisle. Inspect their position and general condition, including one-man folding seats. Apply light pressure if you doubt solidity.
Cargo in a closed vehicle must be distributed to cover all available interior space, with articles immobilized by direct contact with the walls or with other cargo. If goods cannot cover the entire space, immobilization devices must be used.
For goods on a flatbed vehicle, tiedowns must be used to properly secure all articles to the vehicle. If any article is in danger of shifting, it must be immobilized with chocks, wedges, cradles or other securement devices.
Heavy vehicle drivers may be subject to roadside inspections. You must stop and cooperate with the peace officer. Inspections may cover driver's licences, vehicle registration, register entry, transport permits, bills of lading, leasing contracts, hours of driving/duty, circle checks, mechanical condition, weight and size, IFTA registration, load securement, dangerous substances, and traffic compliance.
The SAAQ ensures vehicles carrying passengers or goods in Québec comply with applicable regulations, ensuring road safety, protecting infrastructures and guaranteeing fair competition. Contrôle routier Québec ensures operators comply with laws like the Highway Safety Code, Transport Act, and Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles.
Distractions decrease a driver's vigilance and performance. A distracted driver processes only half the available information from the environment — they look but do not see what is happening.
Turning risks straying into other lanes/median, striking obstacles or causing accidents. As you approach: get in the proper lane, gradually slow and adjust speed, check mirrors and blind spots then signal, shift into the right gear before turning (manual transmission), and confirm enough space for your vehicle size and obstacles.
While turning, check the driving environment throughout, begin the turn as your vehicle enters the intersection, and accelerate gently coming out. Rear wheels trace a shorter path than front wheels (off-tracking), so steer to use all available space. You may need to encroach on the next lane with front wheels, though this is prohibited by law in some situations.
Keep your vehicle in the right lane, watch for road users venturing into the space between the vehicle and the roadside. After checking left-right-left, start the turn holding the front end close to the dividing line on the left of the lane you are entering, encroaching slightly only if necessary and the way is clear. Continue straight close to the dividing line ensuring rear wheels don't trespass onto sidewalk/shoulder, then steer back to lane centre.
Steer into the appropriate lane, edging right if necessary. After checking left-right-left, proceed with the front end close to the dividing line of the other road, edging to the right of the lane you are entering; encroach slightly on the other right-hand lane only if needed and clear. Continue close to the right-hand dividing line until nearly complete, keeping rear wheels off the centre line, then return to the lane centre.
Turning risks straying into other lanes/median, striking obstacles or causing accidents. When approaching, be in the proper lane, gradually slow down to avoid braking/downshifting during the turn, check mirrors and blind spots, signal, shift into the right gear, and confirm you have enough space.
Rear wheels trace a shorter path than front wheels (off-tracking). To compensate, steer the front to use all available space and sometimes encroach on the next lane with front wheels (prohibited by law in some situations). Ensure rear wheels do not trespass onto sidewalks, shoulders or other lanes, and keep the gap to the roadside small.
Keep your vehicle in the right lane and watch for road users in the space between your vehicle and the road edge. After checking left, right, then left again, hold the front end close to the dividing line on the left of the lane you are entering. Continue straight close to the dividing line so rear wheels do not trespass, then steer back to lane centre.
Steer into the appropriate lane, edging right if necessary. After checking left, right, then left again, steer so the front end is close to the dividing line of the other road and edge right in the lane you enter. Continue close to the right-hand dividing line until nearly complete, ensuring rear wheels do not cross the centre line, then return to lane centre.
Some heavy vehicle configurations require encroaching on the far right-hand lane to complete a left turn, avoiding successive lane changes. If a parallel vehicle is turning left at the same time, or one from the opposite direction turns right, that vehicle has the right of way. Where two left-turn lanes exist, turn from the outside (far right) lane to avoid trespassing and unseen vehicles, but watch for surprising the driver in the other left-turn lane.
Check the driving environment throughout the manoeuvre, begin the turn as soon as your vehicle enters the intersection, and accelerate gently coming out. Turning requires high skill and continuous visual checks.
Some heavy vehicles must encroach on the far right lane to complete a left turn to avoid successive lane changes—but vehicles in a parallel lane turning left, or oncoming vehicles turning right, have the right of way. Where two left-turn lanes exist, make your turn from the outside/far right lane.
It is very hard to regain control of a heavy vehicle once it skids, so prevention through defensive driving is best. Reduce speed for road conditions, keep sufficient distance from others to avoid abrupt braking, check the semi-trailer in mirrors every time you brake, and never use the hand brake to slow down.
Load distribution affects vehicle stability and manoeuvrability. The load's weight and centre of gravity affect handling, so the centre of gravity should be as low as possible.
Improper weight distribution across axles causes handling and traction problems that can damage the vehicle or reduce control.
A load that is not properly distributed or secured can shift or become dislodged, displacing the centre of gravity and jeopardizing stability.
Load distribution affects stability and manoeuvrability. Distribute the load so its centre of gravity is as low as possible and its weight is spread evenly over each axle to ensure compliance with load limits and easier handling.
Too much weight on the rear axles reduces front-wheel traction and makes handling harder. Insufficient weight on the drive wheels can cause skidding, especially on slippery surfaces. Improperly distributed or secured loads may shift, displacing the centre of gravity and jeopardizing stability.
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