Highway Carrier Monitoring +10Quebec · CDL · English

Heavy vehicle drivers may be subject to a roadside inspection, must stop and cooperate with the peace officer. Inspections may cover driver's licence, vehicle registration, register of owners/operators, transport permits, bills of lading, leasing contracts, driving/on-duty/off-duty hours, circle checks, mechanical condition, weight and size, IFTA registration, load securement, dangerous substances and traffic compliance.

• ✓Drivers must stop and cooperate during a roadside inspection
• ✓Inspections cover licence, registration, hours, circle checks and mechanical condition
• ✓Load securement and dangerous substance compliance may be inspected

The SAAQ ensures vehicles carrying passengers or goods comply with regulations, supporting road safety, infrastructure protection and fair competition. Contrôle routier Québec ensures operators comply with the Highway Safety Code, Transport Act, and the Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles.

• ✓SAAQ ensures compliance for road safety, infrastructure and fair competition
• ✓Contrôle routier Québec enforces the Highway Safety Code and Transport Act
• ✓The Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles governs carrier activities

Abrupt braking with a heavy vehicle creates strong forward momentum that can cause loss of control and skidding. Avoid abrupt stops by adjusting speed to traffic, maintaining safe following distance, scanning ahead/sides/mirrors, and anticipating stops.

• ✓Adjust speed to traffic and maintain safe following distance
• ✓Look ahead, to the sides and in mirrors to stay aware of conditions
• ✓Anticipate where and when you will need to stop
• ✓Abrupt braking can send a heavy vehicle into a skid

Load weight affects braking distance. Brake systems are designed for cargo up to the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Doubling the load with the same brake pressure greatly increases stopping distance.

• ✓Brakes are designed effective up to the manufacturer's GVWR
• ✓Doubling the load with the same brake pressure increases stopping distance
• ✓Overloaded vehicles need more braking power than brakes can provide, and can overheat

Speed has a much greater impact on stopping distance than load weight. Doubling your speed quadruples your stopping distance at the same brake pressure. Slowing just a few km/h greatly reduces stopping distance.

• ✓Doubling your speed quadruples your stopping distance
• ✓Speed affects stopping distance more than load weight
• ✓Slowing down a few km/h greatly reduces stopping distance

The estimated time lag between when a driver sees a danger and when the brakes begin slowing the vehicle is two seconds. This delay must be factored in to brake safely.

• ✓Estimated perception and reaction lag is about two seconds
• ✓You must factor in this two-second delay when braking

Road/pavement conditions are beyond your control and reduce traction. The only way to ensure stopping within normal distance is to reduce speed. Braking distance is at least doubled on icy pavement versus dry. At 60 km/h, stopping takes about 45 m (140 ft) on dry pavement and 80 m (260 ft) on ice.

• ✓Braking distance is at least doubled on icy pavement compared to dry
• ✓At 60 km/h stopping takes about 45 m on dry pavement, 80 m on ice
• ✓Reduce speed—below the posted limit—and avoid braking abruptly on poor surfaces

Good drivers control speed at all times. The faster you drive, the less time to react and the greater the braking distance. Road conditions change quickly, and the distance travelled in one second can make the difference between stopping safely and having an accident.

• ✓Faster speed means less reaction time and greater braking distance
• ✓Distance travelled in one second can be the difference between stopping and crashing

Use gears to slow down as well as speed up, letting engine compression help. To slow or stop quickly, combine downshifting with braking, which reduces brake strain. Use regular brakes or, where permitted, the supplemental brake system. Once stopped for a while, shift to neutral.

• ✓Use engine compression (downshifting) to help slow the vehicle
• ✓Combine downshifting and braking to reduce strain on brakes
• ✓Shift to neutral when stopped for a while
• ✓Use supplemental brake system where permitted

Jackknifing occurs when the forward thrust of the semi-trailer pushes the tractor left or right. The tractor and semi-trailer are said to have jackknifed when positioned at an angle of less than 90°. If you notice a loss of traction, quickly let up on the accelerator or brake pedal to avoid jackknifing.

• ✓Jackknifing occurs when the semi-trailer's forward thrust pushes the tractor sideways
• ✓A jackknife is defined as an angle of less than 90° between tractor and trailer
• ✓If losing traction, quickly let up on the accelerator or brake pedal as applicable

Jackknifing occurs when the forward thrust of the semi-trailer pushes the tractor to the left or right. A tractor and semi-trailer are jackknifed if positioned at an angle of less than 90°. To avoid it, quickly let up on the accelerator or brake pedal when losing traction.

• ✓Jackknifing occurs when semi-trailer thrust pushes the tractor sideways
• ✓A jackknife is defined as an angle of less than 90° between tractor and trailer
• ✓When losing traction, quickly let up on the accelerator or brake pedal

The circle check is a sight and sound inspection of accessible vehicle components. It helps detect defects early and prevents unsafe operation.

• ✓The circle check is a sight and sound inspection of certain accessible components
• ✓It helps detect defects early and inform the operator/owner for repairs
• ✓It helps avoid operating a vehicle whose condition might cause an accident or breakdown

The circle check is legally required for subject vehicles and must be documented with a report before driving.

• ✓Circle check is mandatory for all vehicles subject to this inspection
• ✓A driver cannot drive and an operator cannot let a vehicle be driven if the check was not carried out within the regulatory time frame
• ✓A circle check report must be filled out for each circle check carried out

Mechanical factors cause a notable share of heavy vehicle accidents; the circle check aims to inform, prepare, and raise awareness among drivers.

• ✓Mechanical factors are an issue in over 10% of accidents involving heavy vehicles
• ✓Most defects can be detected during an adequate sight and sound inspection before setting out
• ✓The driver or a person designated by the operator is responsible for carrying out the check

Always use three support points when climbing onto or off the vehicle, and avoid climbing on tires or unintended parts. Watch for air leaks from brakes, suspension or tires, and fluid leaks on the ground, around wheel hubs, or on tanks (oil, grease, fuel) — these can indicate major consequences such as flat tire, wheel loss, brake malfunction, or suspension break.

• ✓Always use three support points to climb onto or off the vehicle
• ✓Pay special attention to air leaks and fluid leaks, which may indicate serious defects
• ✓Do not climb on tires or parts not intended for that purpose

Park on flat, safe ground to conduct the circle check, watching nearby traffic. Apply the parking brake to the entire vehicle before starting. When releasing the parking brake is necessary (e.g. air suspension or air brake vehicles to allow air intake), ensure the vehicle remains immobile even on flat ground.

• ✓Choose a flat, safe location and apply the parking brake to the entire vehicle before inspection
• ✓When the parking brake must be released, ensure the vehicle stays immobile even on flat ground

The inspection is primarily a sight and sound check of accessible parts, but remain attentive to general condition (engine operation, fluid levels, component solidity, part wear, cargo securement). Inform the owner/operator of any anomalies. For additional checks requiring touching parts, proceed cautiously and use gloves and tools such as a pressure gauge, hammer, flashlight, clean rags, and a tool to open the power steering reservoir.

• ✓Report any detected anomalies to the vehicle's owner or operator
• ✓Use appropriate tools (pressure gauge, hammer, flashlight, rags) and gloves when performing additional touch checks
• ✓Remain attentive to parts not subject to the mandatory circle check

Heavy vehicle drivers may be stopped by peace officers during roadside inspections aimed at ensuring road safety by removing vehicles with major defects. Officers check defects, driver compliance with regulations, and vehicle condition.

• ✓Officers verify the presence of the circle check report and lists of defects on board
• ✓Officers verify the accuracy of the circle check report information
• ✓Officers check compliance, e.g., operating despite a major defect
• ✓Officers check the overall condition of the vehicle

The suggested method applies to a combination of a semi-trailer with a sliding bogie, equipped with air brakes, hitched to a tractor truck. Use a coordinated sequence: top to bottom, left to right, front to back. The 10 steps are: (1) approach and preliminary cab check, (2) front of tractor, (3) left side of tractor, (4) centre left of semi-trailer, (5) rear left of semi-trailer, (6) rear of semi-trailer, (7) rear right of semi-trailer, (8) centre right of semi-trailer, (9) right side of tractor, (10) inside the cab. Elements in bold are mandatory; numbers in parentheses refer to the components table.

• ✓Inspect systematically: top to bottom, left to right, front to back
• ✓Follow the 10-step sequence around the entire combination and end inside the cab
• ✓Keeping the circle check report and applicable defect list(s) on board the vehicle is mandatory

Observe the combination's general condition for indications of defects: a sagging vehicle (broken spring or air leak from air spring), nonparallel wheels (missing/broken spring suspension part), a displaced axle (abnormal axle/wheel displacement), and fluid traces on the ground (fuel or oil leak). Enter the cab on the driver's side, close the door, confirm the parking brake is engaged on both tractor and trailer, turn on low beams, parking/tail lights and right turn signal, check the driver's door operation, then get out and check for emergency equipment.

• ✓Make sure the parking brake is engaged on both the tractor truck and the trailer
• ✓A sagging vehicle may indicate a broken spring or air spring leak; nonparallel wheels indicate suspension damage
• ✓Check the opening/closing of the driver's door (10.1) and presence of emergency equipment (7.1, 7.3)

At the front of the tractor, check low beams, parking lights and right turn signal (8.A, 8.B, 8.1), hood-mounted mirrors (11.3), and fixed body components (2.3). Under the hood on the driver's side, check power steering fluid level (5.2), power steering pump belt condition (5.3), visible side rails (2.A, 2.B, 2.1) and suspension (section 14). If equipped with hydraulic brakes, also check master cylinder reservoir fluid (18.1). Along the driver's side check tires/valves, wheels/fasteners, wheel bearing leaks and lubricant, mirror, body, suspension, side rail, exhaust, fuel tank and filler cap.

• ✓Check power steering fluid level (5.2) and pump belt (5.3) under the hood
• ✓If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, also check the master cylinder reservoir fluid level (18.1)
• ✓Check tires, wheels and fasteners, and wheel bearing leaks and lubricant level along the side

Inspect the coupling mechanism (fifth wheel), upper coupling plate and kingpin visible parts, and the fifth wheel jaws (use a flashlight if needed). Along the semi-trailer, check the body, side rails and cross members, spare wheel support and anchorages, sliding bogie side rail and locking pins, suspension, tires and valves, wheels and fasteners, and wheel bearing leaks/lubricant. At the rear, check tail lights, right turn signal, and licence plate light.

• ✓Check the fifth wheel jaws, upper coupling plate and kingpin (1.A, 1.E, 1.F)
• ✓Check the sliding bogie side rail and locking pins (2.A, 2.B, 2.C, 2.1, 2.2)
• ✓Check the semi-trailer's tail lights, right turn signal and licence plate light (8.B, 8.1)

On the passenger side, check parking lights, right turn signal, body, coupling mechanism, upper coupling plate and kingpin, side rails and cross members, suspension, tires and valves, wheels and fasteners, wheel bearing leaks, fuel tank and filler cap, exhaust, passenger door, and mirror. Under the hood, check visible side rails and suspension. Close and latch the hood (passenger side first, then driver side). Return to the cab, activate the left turn signal, climb down safely using three support points, and verify all turn signal lights.

• ✓Latch the hood first on the passenger's side, then the driver's side
• ✓Check turn signal lights on the front, rear of the tractor, and rear of the semi-trailer
• ✓Check the passenger side door (10.A) and mirror (11.2, 11.3)

Adjust the driver's seat and check the seat (13.1) and seat belt (13.A). Turn the key to 'ON' and check the steering wheel and column (5.A, 5.1), horn (4.2), mirrors (11.2, 11.3), windshield (11.1), wipers (6.A, 6.1), washer system (6.2), defroster blowers/vents (3.1), side windows (11.1, 11.4), emergency equipment if stowed inside (section 7), and the braking system per the applicable section (17, 18 or 19).

• ✓Check the driver's seat (13.1) and its seat belt (13.A)
• ✓Check steering, horn, mirrors, windshield, wipers, washer and defroster with the key in the 'ON' position
• ✓Check the braking system according to the specific instructions for its type (section 17, 18 or 19)

At the rear of the tractor and between the truck and semi-trailer, check the coupling mechanism (fifth wheel example) (1.B–1.F, 1.1, 1.2), the upper coupling plate and kingpin visible parts (1.A, 1.F), and the fifth wheel jaws (use a flashlight for better visibility). Also check truck tail lights, right turn signal, and body. The appropriate components should be inspected for other types of coupling mechanisms.

• ✓Inspect the fifth wheel, jaws, upper coupling plate and kingpin visible parts
• ✓Use a flashlight to inspect the fifth wheel jaws for better visibility
• ✓Inspect appropriate components for whatever coupling mechanism type is present

The suggested method applies to a combination made up of a semi-trailer with a sliding bogie, air brakes, hitched to a tractor truck. Use a coordinated sequence: top to bottom, left to right, front to back. Elements listed in bold are mandatory to inspect. The 10 steps are: 1) approaching/preliminary cab check, 2) front of tractor, 3) left side of tractor, 4) centre left of semi-trailer, 5) rear left of semi-trailer, 6) rear of semi-trailer, 7) rear right of semi-trailer, 8) centre right of semi-trailer, 9) right side of tractor, 10) inside the cab.

• ✓Inspect top to bottom, left to right, and front to back
• ✓Keeping the circle check report and applicable list(s) of defects on board the vehicle is mandatory
• ✓Adapt the method to the vehicle's braking, coupling, steering and emergency equipment

On the passenger side of the tractor check parking lights, right turn signal, body, coupling mechanism, side rails/cross members, suspension, tires/valves, wheels/fasteners, wheel bearing leaks, fuel tank and filler cap, exhaust, passenger door, and mirror. Close and latch the hood (passenger side first, then driver side). Inside the cab, adjust and check the driver's seat and seat belt, then turn key to ON and check steering wheel/column, horn, mirrors, windshield, wipers, washer, blowers/vents, side windows, emergency equipment, and the braking system per the applicable section.

• ✓Latch the hood on the passenger's side first, then the driver's side
• ✓Check driver's seat (13.1), seat belt (13.A), steering (5.A, 5.1), horn (4.2), windshield (11.1) and wipers (6.A, 6.1)
• ✓Check the turn signals by activating the left turn signal and verifying front, tractor rear and semi-trailer rear signals

When turning or negotiating a curve, the rear axles of the second semi-trailer tend to cross into the other lane, and wheelbase affects turning ease.

• ✓The rear axles of the second semi-trailer tend to cross into the other lane when turning
• ✓Amount of crossover depends on total length and fifth wheel/axle adjustment
• ✓A B train is easier to turn due to its shorter wheelbase
• ✓An A train has three pivot axes and a longer wheelbase, making it harder to turn
• ✓Coordinate speed and direction to steer exactly where intended

Right turns are the hardest manoeuvre due to the risk of colliding with vehicles in the adjacent lane; prevent others from entering the space between the vehicle and the road edge.

• ✓Keep the vehicle in the right lane and prevent road users from entering the gap on the right
• ✓Look left, right, then left again before starting the turn
• ✓Hold the front end close to the dividing line of the lane being entered
• ✓Keep rear wheels off the sidewalk or shoulder
• ✓Trespassing slightly into the next lane is prohibited but sometimes unavoidable — only when clear

Left turns require steering into the left lane and keeping close to the right-hand dividing line so rear wheels do not cross the centre line.

• ✓Steer into the left lane and look left and right before turning
• ✓Keep the front end close to the dividing line and edge to the right of the entered lane
• ✓Ensure rear wheels do not cross over the centre line before completing the turn
• ✓If trespassing into the far right lane, yield to vehicles turning left in a parallel lane or turning right from opposite direction (they have right of way)

Sharp steering to avoid an obstacle can overturn the pup (second) semi-trailer; equipment choices and smooth driving reduce the risk.

• ✓Sharp one-side steering to avoid obstacles risks overturning the pup semi-trailer
• ✓Use hard tires and properly adjust suspension, axle placement and fifth wheel position
• ✓Scan ahead, reduce speed and change lanes early when detecting a hazard
• ✓Avoid turning the steering wheel more than necessary — more turning increases overturn/jackknife risk

Because of its length, other drivers misjudge the time and space needed to pass a double road train; the driver should help them pass safely and pass others cautiously.

• ✓To help others pass, reduce speed and stay in the right lane but not on the shoulder
• ✓On wet roads, stay out of ruts to avoid splashing passing vehicles
• ✓Pass only where road signs allow and obey speed limits
• ✓Ensure enough accelerating power and clear space before passing, and allow space behind before returning to the right lane

Although not mandatory, inspecting a vehicle at the end of a trip is recommended. It lets you record defects or anomalies, provides repair information before the vehicle returns to the road, benefits the business, saves time and money, and improves safety.

• ✓End-of-trip inspection is recommended but not mandatory
• ✓Record defects and anomalies to inform repairs before the vehicle is taken back on the road

Drivers must do a sound and sight check of the vehicle's condition, record observations (major or minor defects) in the circle check report, keep the report up to date and in the vehicle, report mechanical defects and anomalies in writing, and ensure the vehicle has no major defects.

• ✓Record major or minor defects in the circle check report and keep it in the vehicle
• ✓Do not operate a vehicle that has major defects

Drivers must comply with the legal passenger limit, properly arrange and secure baggage/cargo/mail in designated bus compartments, properly secure truck loads, and obey dangerous substance regulations including the prohibition on driving through tunnels.

• ✓Comply with legal passenger limits and properly secure cargo/baggage
• ✓Obey dangerous substance rules including tunnel prohibitions

Drivers must inform the operator if their licence class or endorsements are modified, cancelled or suspended; comply with any peace officer who suspends their licence for exceeding driving/duty hours, invalid licence, or impairment; and hold only one driver's licence with the required class and endorsements.

• ✓Inform the operator of any licence modification, cancellation or suspension
• ✓Hold only one driver's licence with the required class and endorsements

Unless exempted, drivers must keep accurate off-duty and driving time logs in the vehicle for the previous 14 days, regardless of the cycle being followed.

• ✓Keep accurate driving/off-duty logs for the previous 14 days
• ✓Logs must be kept in the vehicle unless exempted

The Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles applies regardless of licence class to: equipment transport vehicles with GVWR 4,500 kg or more; emergency vehicles GVWR 4,500 kg or more; combinations with at least one vehicle GVWR 4,500 kg or more; tow trucks (any GVWR); buses (any GVWR); and vehicles carrying dangerous substances requiring safety mark placards (any GVWR).

• ✓Tow trucks and buses are subject to the Act regardless of GVWR
• ✓Placarded dangerous substance vehicles are covered regardless of GVWR

Drivers must carry the registration certificate and proof of insurance. They must buckle up and not drive with a defective seat belt, use a flashing/rotating yellow light per permit conditions, mark outsized loads extending over one metre beyond the rear with a red flag/reflective panel (and red light at night), and keep safety equipment (warning triangle, reflectors, flares or lamps).

• ✓Carry registration certificate and proof of insurance
• ✓Mark outsized loads extending over one metre with red flag/panel and red light at night

Drivers must carry a special travel permit for outsized/overloaded vehicles and comply with its conditions. They must obey instructions from peace officers (police or carrier enforcement officers) during roadside inspections and facility audits.

• ✓Carry and comply with special travel permit conditions for outsized/overloaded vehicles
• ✓Obey instructions from peace officers and carrier enforcement officers

Alcohol affects the brain and central nervous system, the body's decision-making and coordination centre. As blood alcohol concentration increases, your ability to drive is gradually diminished.

• ✓Alcohol changes visual perception quality, alters judgment and increases reaction time
• ✓Alcohol reduces resistance to fatigue and impairs coordination
• ✓Alcohol increases self-confidence, leading to more risk-taking and dangerous driving

Under the Criminal Code, the legal limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08). Penalties for impaired driving are increasingly severe. Heavy vehicle drivers are subject to special rules on blood alcohol concentration.

• ✓The Criminal Code legal limit is 0.08 (80 mg alcohol per 100 ml of blood)
• ✓You can be arrested and convicted even below 0.08 if there is enough evidence your ability to drive was impaired
• ✓Even below the legal limit, the ability to drive is diminished; heavy vehicle drivers have special BAC rules (see Chapter 1)

Alcohol affects the brain and central nervous system, the body's decision-making and coordination centre. As blood alcohol concentration increases, driving ability is progressively diminished. Alcohol also creates false self-confidence leading to more risk-taking.

• ✓Alcohol changes visual perception quality, alters judgment and increases reaction time
• ✓Alcohol reduces resistance to fatigue and impairs coordination
• ✓Alcohol creates false self-confidence leading to more risk-taking and dangerous driving

Under the Criminal Code the legal limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08). Penalties for impaired driving are increasingly severe. Even below the legal limit your ability to drive is diminished, and you can be arrested and convicted below 0.08 if evidence shows impairment. Heavy vehicle drivers face special BAC rules (see Chapter 1).

• ✓The Criminal Code legal limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08)
• ✓You can be arrested and convicted even below 0.08 if there is enough evidence your ability was impaired
• ✓Driving ability is diminished even below the legal limit
• ✓Heavy vehicle drivers are subject to special BAC rules while driving

Folk remedies to reduce or eliminate alcohol effects are ineffective. Eating may delay absorption but does not prevent intoxication. Only time can eliminate alcohol from the bloodstream.

• ✓The liver eliminates about 15 mg of alcohol per hour, equivalent to one beer, one glass of wine or one serving of spirits
• ✓Eating slows absorption but does not prevent intoxication
• ✓Only time can eliminate alcohol from the bloodstream and mitigate its effects on driving

Folk remedies to reduce alcohol effects are ineffective. Eating may delay absorption but does not prevent intoxication. Regardless of BAC, the liver eliminates about 15 mg of alcohol per hour—equal to one beer, one glass of wine or one serving of spirits. Only time can eliminate alcohol from the bloodstream.

• ✓Eating may slow alcohol absorption but does not prevent intoxication
• ✓The liver eliminates about 15 mg of alcohol per hour on average
• ✓15 mg is equivalent to one beer, one glass of wine or one serving of spirits
• ✓Only time can eliminate alcohol from the bloodstream