Record number of tickets given, Quebec drivers not following winter rules
Posted January 28, 2026 10:02 am.
Last Updated January 28, 2026 4:01 pm.
Police officers are cracking down and issuing tickets to drivers who do not respect winter driving rules, particularly when it comes to properly clearing the snow off their vehicles.
In fact, last year nearly 1,200 tickets were issued by Montreal police (SPVM) to drivers who failed to clear snow from their vehicles. That’s nearly double the amount from the previous year, according to data obtained by TVA Nouvelles. Reminder that the snow must be completely cleared from the vehicle including the roof, side mirrors, and windows.
Police say the increase is due to a change in strategy, now giving tickets rather than warnings for prevention.
Quebec provincial police (SQ) also report issuing a record number of tickets to drivers without winter tires on their vehicles.
In 2025, some 880 tickets were issued by the SQ. That’s nearly double the yearly average (461).
