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GPS, screens and smartwatches while driving: what is allowed in Quebec?

Beyond phone calls: which screens you may look at while driving, and on what conditions.

The rule: section 443.1

The Code de la sécurité routière (Quebec’s Highway Safety Code) prohibits drivers from using a cell phone, any other portable device designed to send or receive information or for entertainment, or a display screen (s. 443.1). There are two exceptions: a hands-free device, and a screen that meets all of these conditions:

1. it shows only information relevant to driving or to the operation of the vehicle’s usual equipment;
2. it is built into the vehicle or installed on a mount, removable or not, fixed to the vehicle;
3. it doesn’t block the driver’s view, interfere with manoeuvres, stop any equipment from working, or create a risk of injury in a crash;
4. it is positioned and designed so the driver can read and operate it easily.

These conditions also cover the screen of a portable device (s. 443.1, para. 2): a phone on a mount fixed to the vehicle that shows only navigation meets the rule; the same phone held in your hand does not.

GPS and vehicle screens

The SAAQ gives examples of information a screen may show: tire pressure, fuel consumption, electric or gas mode, activation of systems such as four-wheel drive, traction control or parking assist, road conditions, weather conditions and GPS directions (SAAQ, “Appareils électroniques”).

It also gives installation advice: the screen must not hide dashboard instruments such as the speedometer, or interfere with airbag deployment or window defrosting. Set your route before you leave; if it has to be changed on the way, stop somewhere safe where parking is allowed (SAAQ, “Conditions d’utilisation des écrans”; Conduire un véhicule de promenade, ch. 6, “Éliminer les distractions”).

Note: browsing the web or reading email or texts while driving is prohibited, even on a screen installed by the vehicle manufacturer (Guide de la route, ch. 1, “Les appareils électroniques”).

Prohibited screens

According to the SAAQ, any screen visible from the driver’s seat that doesn’t show information useful for driving is prohibited, for example: a television, a laptop or pocket computer, a game console, a digital camera, a DVD player, or a cell phone screen showing anything other than driving information.

What does “holding” mean?

• A driver who holds a portable device in hand, or in any other manner, is presumed to be using it (s. 443.1, second paragraph). You don’t have to be caught typing.
• The law covers devices whether they are on or off (Guide de la route, ch. 1).
• Stopped at a red light or in a traffic jam, you are still driving. Only a vehicle parked in compliance with the law is exempt (s. 443.7; Guide de la route, ch. 1).
• The ban also applies on private roads open to public traffic and on shopping-centre lots (s. 443.6).

Smartwatches, hands-free and earphones

• Smartwatches: listed among the devices covered (Guide de la route, ch. 1). The SAAQ states you may not check one while driving, even to see the time.
• Hands-free: allowed by the Code (s. 443.1, para. 1), but the SAAQ tolerates it without recommending it, because the conversation itself is distracting. The phone must then be firmly secured on a mount.
• CB radio and walkie-talkie: a two-way radio that doesn’t let both people talk at once is allowed (Regulation respecting distractions while driving, s. 4); the Guide de la route adds that a device built into or fixed to the dashboard, where only the microphone or handset is held, is not covered (ch. 1).
• Exceptions: calling 911; making a contactless payment or showing proof of payment or access, only when the vehicle is stopped without being parked (Regulation respecting distractions while driving, s. 4). The Guide de la route reminds you this must not go against road safety rules (ch. 1).
• Earphones: one only, in one ear (s. 443.2); fine of $100 to $200 (s. 509).
• Things in the way: you may not drive when a passenger, an animal or an object is placed so that it blocks your view or hinders driving (s. 442); keep that in mind when placing a mount.

Penalties

The Code’s “Distractions au volant” (distracted driving) section, ss. 443.1 to 443.7, has no separate rule for learners and new drivers: it is their 4-point limit that makes a single offence so costly.

Key points for the test

• GPS allowed: driving information only, built-in or on a fixed mount, easy to read.
• Holding a device in hand or otherwise = presumed use, even at a red light.
• Smartwatches are banned, even to check the time.
• Set the GPS before you leave.
• 5 points: a learner or probationary driver loses their licence.

See also

• Free SAAQ practice test: 15 questions
• Cell phone while driving in Québec: how many points?
• Demerit points and the learner’s licence
• Probationary licence rules in Québec

Official sources

• Code de la sécurité routière (Highway Safety Code, CQLR c. C-24.2), ss. 191.2, 442, 443.1, 443.2, 443.3, 443.6, 443.7, 509 and 509.2.2
• Regulation respecting demerit points (CQLR c. C-24.2, r. 37), s. 5.1, Schedule, item 26.1
• Regulation respecting distractions while driving (CQLR c. C-24.2, r. 9.3), s. 4
• SAAQ, “Appareils électroniques”, “Conditions d’utilisation des écrans” and “Ce que dit la loi” (French, consulted 2026-10-29)
• SAAQ, Guide de la route (4th ed., 2024, French), ch. 1, “Les appareils électroniques”; ch. 2, “L’écran”
• SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule de promenade (2022 ed., French), ch. 6, “Éliminer les distractions”

General information page, current as of 2026-10-29. If in doubt, the official text prevails. Rules can change: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca and legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca.