Quebec judge rules that road rage is not tolerated; motorist sentenced to 14 months in prison
Posted July 7, 2025 9:53 am.
Last Updated July 7, 2025 12:12 pm.
A Lanaudière resident guilty of beating up a motorist who had upset him while drive will have to serve 14 months in prison, a Quebec judge has ordered, reminding the accused that road rage is never tolerated — not even in the face of bad drivers.
In a ruling last week at the Montreal courthouse, Judge Dennis Galiatsatos explained his decision to Denis Thiffault, accused of attacking another motorist in the fall of 2021, after the latter angered him while driving.
On that day, the 57-year-old accused was attempting to access Highway 40 in Montreal, when another motorist attempted to do the same.
The other motorist’s maneuvers allegedly provoked Thiffault and when he caught up with him while they were stuck in traffic, Thiffault got out of his vehicle and punched the other driver in the face.
“In a large metropolitan centre like Montreal,” Judge Galiatsatos stated, “it is an absolute certainty that we will meet people who drive badly, who are distracted or negligent […]. Violence can be neither a solution to this problem nor a way to express frustration.”
In court, Thiffault expressed regret over this episode of road rage, while saying he felt ashamed for having “lost control” at a time when he was experiencing “increased stress” due to difficult times with his wife at the time.
He requested clemency and an opportunity to receive probation and community service, which would allow him to continue providing for his family.
Judge Galiatsatos, however, denied his request, stating that road rage must be denounced and punished.
