Altering the Odometer in a Vehicle 
Information from the Office de la protection du consommateur
Altering an odometer is a major offence. In common parlance, we talk about odometers that were rolled back, altered, tampered with, and so forth. In such a case, the buyer has recourse against the merchant.
Automobile Insurance
Information from the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec
The public automobile insurance plan protects all Quebecers involved in a traffic accident, regardless of whether they are responsible for the accident. The plan pays indemnities in the event of injury or death as a result of a traffic accident in Québec or anywhere in the world.
However, all vehicle owners are required to hold a civil liability insurance policy contracted from a private insurer that covers property damage caused to others.
Before Buying a Vehicle
Information from the Office de la protection du consommateur
Before buying a vehicle, it is important to take certain precautions, such as assessing one’s needs, evaluating financing options and knowing the content of a contract. The next step is to decide between purchasing a new or a used vehicle and purchasing from a dealer or a private vendor.
Long-term Leasing of a Vehicle
Information from the Office de la protection du consommateur
The long-term leasing of a vehicle often allows for a lower monthly payment than would purchasing the vehicle with a credit contract. Leasing therefore makes for lower payments in the short run, but the total cost generally ends up being higher. It is therefore important to assess one’s needs before deciding whether to lease a vehicle.
Information in respect of a long-term lease with purchase option must appear in a written contract and it is important to enquire about cancellation terms .
Register of Personal and Movable Real Rights
Information from the Ministère de la Justice
A person can consult the register of personal and movable real rights (referred to by its French acronym “RDPRM”) to find out whether a used vehicle they want to buy has been given to secure a loan and is free of all debts, such as a hypothec, extended payment plan or a long-term lease.
Roulez vert
Administered by Transition énergétique Québec
The Roulez vert program encourages the acquisition of new and used electric vehicles and the installation of charging stations.
It provides a rebate on the purchase or long-term leasing of a new electric vehicle and a reimbursement on the purchase and installation of a home charging station.
The federal government offers a financial incentive of up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of eligible zero-emission vehicles . This amount is in addition to the financial assistance granted under the Roulez vert program for new vehicles.
Taxable Transactions
Administered by Revenu Québec
Most vehicle transactions are subject to the goods and services tax (GST) and the Québec sales tax (QST).
The taxes apply according to whether the transaction concerns
- a new or used vehicle
- a vehicle purchased from a private vendor or a dealer
Vehicle Registration
Administered by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
All new motor vehicle owners must register the vehicle in their name. The procedure depends on whether the vehicle was
Vehicle Warranties
Information from the Office de la protection du consommateur
The warranties provided by law vary according to the situation:
The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) helps consumers and manufacturers resolve disputes about vehicle assembly, material defects and how the new vehicle warranty is applied. Most vehicle manufacturers and importers participate in the CAMVAP.
Warranties on Private Purchases
Information from the Office de la protection du consommateur
Anyone who purchases a vehicle from a private vendor has recourse against the vendor if they discover a hidden defect. A hidden defect is a problem that, had the buyer been aware of it before making the purchase, would have led the buyer to not purchase the vehicle or pay a lower price.
Manufacturer or merchant warranties and extended warranties that are still valid are transferred with the purchase of a used vehicle.
Winter Tires
Information from the Ministère des Transports du Québec
From December 1 to March 15, all motor vehicles registered in Québec must be equipped with tires specifically designed for winter driving.
The Government of Canada has an online tool to verify whether a vehicle is involved in a safety recall:
Last update: March 1, 2023
