Autonomous vehicles on Québec roads

In Québec, the term autonomous vehicle refers to a road vehicle equipped with an automated driving system that can operate a vehicle at one of three driving automation levels, as defined by an SAE International standard: 

• Level 3 – Conditional driving automation. The vehicle takes over under certain circumstances. The driver has to be alert and ready to take over driving.
• Level 4 – High driving automation. The vehicle can take over in the event of a breakdown, without driver assistance. The driver may, however, take back control of the vehicle.
• Level 5 – Full driving automation. No human input required, regardless of the driving conditions or road status. The vehicle has no pedals or steering wheel installed.

Autonomous vehicles are prohibited on:

• public roads
• roads under the jurisdiction of or maintained by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune
• private roads open to public on-road vehicles
• public places like shopping centre parking lots

There are, however, two exceptions. A Level 3 autonomous vehicle is allowed on Québec roads, provided Transport Canada has authorized its sale in Canada. 

An autonomous vehicle of Level 3 or higher is also allowed if it is part of a pilot project run by the Québec Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable.

These vehicles could:

• help reduce traffic congestion
• help reduce the risks associated with human error

The Sustainable Mobility Policy – 2030 (PDF 2.20 Mb) states that, in the years to come, autonomous vehicles will play a major role among new mobility services. The Gouvernement du Québec believes that the technologies involved will make it possible to:

• stimulate the use of such services for sharing purposes
• connect existing major transportation systems
• improve freight transport

In addition, the government is in favour of setting up pilot projects to test autonomous vehicles in Québec.