October 15, 2026Vehicle from another province, rebuilt, stored for over 12 months, taxi, driving school… The cases where the SAAQ requires a mechanical inspection, and how to prepare.
No mandatory inspection for an ordinary car
In Quebec, a passenger car used normally has no mandatory periodic mechanical inspection. The SAAQ only requires one in specific cases, before putting the vehicle back on the road or at regular intervals depending on its use.
Before putting a vehicle on the road
According to the SAAQ, a mechanical inspection is required in particular for:
- ✓A used vehicle from outside Quebec
- ✓A severely damaged vehicle that has been rebuilt
- ✓A vehicle stored or not authorized to be driven for more than 12 months
- ✓A hand-crafted or modified vehicle
- ✓A vehicle deemed dangerous by the SAAQ or a peace officer
Periodic inspections based on use
Some vehicles are inspected every 6 or 12 months: driving school vehicles, school transport, paid passenger transport vehicles depending on their age, emergency vehicles and heavy vehicles. The detailed rules are published by the SAAQ.
Preparing for the inspection
The inspection is done at a mechanical inspection centre or an SAAQ-authorized agent. To avoid failing, have your garage inspect the vehicle first: brakes, lights, tires, steering, suspension and windshield are commonly checked.
