Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What strategies has the SAAQ adopted to reach its goals regarding highway carrier monitoring?
A: The SAAQ has adopted six main rules of action:

• Monitoring the observation of laws and regulations both on the road and in businesses;
• Enforcing the “Compliance Policy,” to which all drivers must adhere and to which any vehicle in violation of the laws and regulations in effect must comply before going back on the road;
• Carrying out enforcement activities and interventions in businesses to complement roadside carrier inspection;
• Organizing monitoring operations on highways utilizing a good knowledge of road traffic and the optimal use of highway inspection stations;
• Working together with legislative agencies and neighbouring jurisdictions in matters pertaining to road transport;
• Working with partners who implement actions that complement the monitoring operations of the SAAQ.

Q2: What monitoring operations does the SAAQ use to reach its goals?

• Highway Monitoring
  The enforcement of regulatory standards relating to the Highway Safety Code and other laws is carried out on the road by carrier enforcement officers. Carrier enforcement officers intercept and inspect vehicles or inspect the documents and daily logs of drivers to ensure compliance with the law. The officers have the powers of peace officers to enforce the Highway Safety Code and other laws relating to road transport. In Québec, they also have the powers of special constables to enforce the Act Respecting Motor Vehicle Transport by Extra-provincial Undertakings. Interceptions and inspections may take place at highway inspection stations or anywhere else on the road network.
  
  
• Mechanical Inspection
  Carrier enforcement officers participate in inspection operations together with the Sûreté du Québec and various municipal police forces. Mechanical inspections are carried out by mechanics and carrier enforcement officers.
  
  
• Business Monitoring
  Business monitoring is performed by fraud investigators. Their task consists of visiting operators and ensuring compliance with certain provisions of the Highway Safety Code and laws and regulations pertaining to road transport. To this end, business inspectors examine files, the driving and duty logs, vehicle inspection logs, licences and any other supporting documents that operators must keep and present on demand. Visits to businesses are done following a complaint or are part of regular operations.

Q3: What is the “Compliance Policy”?
A: The SAAQ enforces very precise rules regarding drivers and vehicles in the context of carrier enforcement operations. The condition of drivers and their vehicles must comply with the requirements provided for in laws and regulations.

If an offense statement has been issued, the driver will not be allowed back on the road if he cannot comply with regulatory standards. For example, if drivers cannot present the documents required to drive the vehicle or if the have exceeded the hours of driving, they will not be allowed back on the road.

This is also true if the vehicle does not meet requirements relating to weight, cargo securing, dangerous substances, mechanical safety, etc. The vehicle will not be allowed back on the road until its driver can show compliance with regulatory standards.

Q4: Why do roads deteriorate to a greater extent during a thaw?
A: During thaw periods, road strength diminishes considerably, making it sensitive to the pressure exerted by heavy vehicles. To protect roads, SAAQ highway enforcement officers carry out intensive operations to monitor the weight of heavy vehicles during thaws.