Parking & Driving Tips

The best way to get around in Québec City is to leave your car parked and enjoy the many quaint streets by foot. The public transit is also available throughout downtown.

Where Can I Park my Car Near Old Québec?

Pay Stations

Most downtown/Old Québec and surrounding streets have paid parking spaces to park a vehicle for a limited period of time. Signage with a P$ sign and arrows indicates the street sections where parking is permitted and paid. Payment is made using your license plate number. As long as your payment is active, you can move your vehicle on any pay street in the city without having to make a payment again.

Unless otherwise noted, on-street parking spaces are subject to charges daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There are two ways to pay for your parking:

Copilote+ application: Available for free in the App Store or on Google Play
Pay stations: All major payment methods are accepted (credit card, debit card, contactless payment and cash)

Public parkings

There are many public parking lots. You can also refer to this parking management company: Indigo

Winter parking

From November 1 to April 15, it is prohibited to park in the city streets when snow removal operations are carried out after snowstorms. Pay attention to the orange warning signs (flashing indicators), which are activated prior to the beginning of a snow removal operation.

Parking for disabled persons holding a permit

Disabled parking permit holders may park their vehicle free of charge in front of an automatic pay station for three hours maximum.

How to Pay a Ticket?

Have you received a ticket? Here's how you can pay the fees.

Where Can I Park my RV?

Finding a campsite or a place to park your camper or RV isn’t always easy. Luckily, there are plenty of spots in and around Québec City to help you make the most of your RV vacation. Here is a list of dedicated RV parking zones, so you can travel with confidence.

Are Road Signs in Québec in English?

In Québec, road signs are in French. However, most signs also include international symbols.

Can I Drive in Québec with a Foreign license?

Holders of a foreign licence are allowed to drive on Québec roads for 6 consecutive months. After that time, they must hold an international driver's permit. It is recommended to obtain an international driving permit if your valid driver's licence is not in English or French.

Are Winter Tires Mandatory in Québec?

From December 1st to March 15, vehicles registered in Québec (including rental cars) must have tires specifically designed for driving in winter conditions in accordance with the standards set forth by the government.

If a vehicle is not registered in Québec, winter tires are not mandatory. However, their use is highly recommended for safety reasons.

What is the Speed Limit in Québec?

In Québec, speed limits are posted in kilometres/hour (km/h), and distances in kilometres (0.6 miles = 1 km). On highways and major provincial roads, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h, and the minimum, 60 km/h.

What is the Cell Phone Driving Law?

The use of a telephone or other electronic device that has a screen is prohibited while driving. These must be attached to the vehicle with a support provided for this purpose and used in hands-free mode or with voice commands. Their manipulation is only allowed for functions related to the car, such as the GPS for example if the device is attached to the vehicle.

Is it Mandatory to Wear a Seatbelt in Québec?

Seatbelt use is mandatory for the driver and all passengers.

Can you Make a Right Turn on a Red Light in Québec?

Turning right at a red light is permitted at most intersections in the Québec City region. Drivers must come to a full stop before turning and must yield to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians who have already started to cross the intersection.Those turning left at traffic lights have the right of way when the green light flashes or when an arrow appears.

When Can you Use a Bus Lane?

Lanes reserved for Québec City transit system buses are identified by a white diamond symbol on the pavement, and are separated by double dotted lines. Road signs showing reserved lane hours of operation are posted along the streets and at certain intersections.

During reserved lane hours of operation, motorists ARE FORBIDDEN TO DRIVE, STOP or PARK in the lanes, which are strictly for buses (local transit system and motorcoaches) and taxis. Motorists nearing an intersection may travel short distances in the reserved lanes in order to make a right hand turn. However, they must watch for the dotted line on the pavement indicating when they may do so.