Montreal police are urging road users to “ensure the compliance of their motorized vehicle,” confirming that they will immediately enforce the bylaw banning unregistered electric scooters, issuing fines if necessary.
In an email, the Montreal Police Department (SPVM) indicated that its role “is to enforce the laws and regulations in force on the territory.” It is the road safety section that will be responsible for enforcing the decree adopted by the government last Tuesday.
Since that day, “SPVM police officers can issue tickets to people using electric mopeds and motorcycles,” confirms a spokesperson for the Montreal police, Caroline Labelle.
At the same time, it invites users “to ensure the conformity of their motor vehicle by consulting the information available on the website of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec [SAAQ] “.
Earlier this week, Quebec took many people by surprise by announcing Tuesday that scooters, motorcycles and mopeds not authorized by federal standards would now be banned from all public roads in Quebec, with hefty fines for those who refuse.
For several years, the presence of these unregistered motorized vehicles – for example smart electric scooters – has been a cause for concern, particularly on the Montreal cycling network.
In principle, the law provides that only unregistered vehicles are allowed to drive on a track, but the application of the law has been increasingly vague since the acceleration of electric modes of transport. The government has been working for several years to further regulate this situation, but few people expected an announcement in the middle of summer.
On Thursday, the SAAQ mentioned that the police officer or peace officer should base their decision “on the physical and visual characteristics of the vehicle to determine whether it is covered” by the ministerial order.
“For example, a vehicle would be affected if it does not bear the national safety mark or conformity label required by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act “, illustrated a spokesperson, Anthony Bérubé, recalling that several characteristics are provided for in the decree to help patrol officers to crack down.
Which vehicles are affected?
- Unauthorized vehicles equipped with footrests or a foot platform;
- Unauthorized vehicles equipped with a set of tires and wheels that have the appearance of a motorcycle;
- Unauthorized vehicles with bodywork covering the components or frame;
- Unauthorized vehicles that can reach a speed greater than 32 km/h or a power of more than 500 watts;
- Unauthorized vehicles that do not have a height-adjustable seat.
- Please note: several exceptions remain in the decree published in the Official Gazette of Quebec. It also makes no mention of electric scooters, the circulation of which was legalized last year on streets where the maximum speed is 50 km/h or less.
Consult the ministerial decree