Quebec Will Reduce Your License Fees If You Are a Safe Driver, While Others Will Bear the Cost | Carscoops

      The fees pertain to license renewals and impact all residents in some manner.

      As of 2026, Quebec drivers will incur a fee of approximately $50 for a Class 5 license.

      Rebates from the SAAQ persist, resulting from improved road safety and effective fund management.

      Drivers with demerit points will experience significantly increased license fees in 2026.

      Everyone is looking to save money, and Quebec drivers can now directly link this to improved driving behaviors. For 2026, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is providing substantial rebates for safe drivers.

      The SAAQ is the provincial agency in Quebec that oversees road safety and licensing, responsible for the issuance of driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and the management of the public auto insurance system. Unlike private insurers, it offers both licensing and no-fault injury coverage within a single entity.

      For those holding a Class 5 license, the benefits are evident. Individuals with a clean driving record will only need to pay $50.23, as opposed to the previously estimated $121. However, those with violations on their records will see an increase in renewal fees.

      The possibility of these rebates arises from the strong performance of the Fonds d’assurance automobile du Québec, which has built a significant surplus due to a decrease in accident victims and unexpected investment earnings.

      According to the SAAQ, road injuries have significantly decreased since 2020, especially during the pandemic years when driving habits changed and accidents were fewer. Consequently, nearly $462 million will remain with Quebec residents next year.

      Quebec drivers have already enjoyed four consecutive years of "payment holidays," during which drivers with clean records only paid the basic administrative fees for renewing their licenses.

      Quebec residents will receive a 75% reduction in the insurance contribution associated with their driver’s license in 2026, totaling an estimated saving of nearly $462 million.

      Between 2022 and 2025, the SAAQ distributed $2.4 billion back to its members. The agency states this reflects the need to adjust insurance contributions in line with actual claims and fund performance. Since provincial regulations prevent the insurer from undercharging or overcharging, any surplus must be returned to drivers.

      This redistribution will continue in 2026, but at a reduced rate. The projected insurance fee for the upcoming year stands at $93.92, but the 75% rebate deducts $70.44 from the total bill.

      After including the standard fees and duties of $26.75, drivers without any demerit points will only owe $50.23 upon receiving their renewal notice. Notably, this rate is applicable only to the safest drivers.

      What Are the Costs of a Violation?

      Drivers with infractions will encounter significantly higher fees due to penalty surcharges linked to their demerit points. Even after the rebate, those with one to three points on their record will need to pay $121.84.

      As reported by Driving.ca, individuals with 15 or more points will face a fee of $603.06 to maintain their license, which is 12 times the amount a driver with a clean record pays.