Permis PrêtMotorcycle helmets in Québec: recognized standards and the rule
Which helmet is allowed, who must wear it, and how to recognize it.
Short answer: Anyone riding a motorcycle must wear a helmet that meets a recognized standard and carries the manufacturer’s mark. The DOT standard is the most common in Québec.
The rule
According to the SAAQ, anyone riding a motorcycle or three-wheeled vehicle must wear a compliant helmet. A passenger must also wear a well-fitted, compliant helmet. The guide adds that a helmet is also mandatory for a sidecar passenger. The SAAQ lists a fine of $200 to $300 and 3 demerit points.
Recognized standards (SAAQ guide)
- CAN-3-D230 (Canadian Standards Association)
- DOT FMVSS 218 (U.S. Department of Transportation)
- ANSI Z90.1
- Snell Memorial Foundation
- British Standards Institute
- ECE Regulation 22 (UN)
The helmet must have a DOT label on the outside or the label of another standard on the inside.
To remember for the test
- A helmet is mandatory for the rider and the passenger.
- DOT label outside, or another recognized standard label inside.
- DOT is the most common standard in Québec.
Original motorcycle questions with an explanation and a source: 10 free.
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Official sources
General information, current as of 2026-11-01. When in doubt, the official text prevails. Rules can change: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca.