info@thesafer.ca | 1590 Jarry E, Montréal, QC
🇨🇦 SK · NB · NS · NSC | 🇺🇸 FMCSA · DOT · IFTA · IRP
URGENT — HEARING DEADLINES ARE STRICT
CTQ HEARINGS • RPEVL • SAAQ CONDUCT • QUEBEC

Heavy vehicle conduct issues in Quebec require a disciplined record before the hearing date.

We build complete hearing documentation packages for CTQ tribunal proceedings and SAAQ conduct evaluations — chronologies, exhibits, remedial controls, corrective action evidence.

Quebec’s Regulatory Framework

Quebec’s heavy vehicle regulatory system involves two authorities with distinct but interconnected powers. The SAAQ administers the conduct review policy — evaluating owners and operators against defined safety thresholds based on infraction, collision, and defect records. The CTQ (Commission des transports du Québec) holds registration and intervention powers under the RPEVL, with authority to impose conditions, suspend, or revoke carrier registration.

When your RPEVL safety score crosses defined thresholds — or a critical incident occurs — a conduct evaluation, a notice of infraction record (NIR), or a direct CTQ hearing may follow. Understanding which authority is acting, under which instrument, and at what stage is the foundation of the documentation strategy.

What Triggers a CTQ / SAAQ File

  • RPEVL safety score accumulation above regulatory threshold levels.
  • Driver demerit accumulation triggering SAAQ conduct review.
  • Critical incident — collision with fatality, serious injury, or major property damage.
  • Repeated HOS, mechanical defect, or overloading violations.
  • Contrôle routier Québec referral following roadside intervention.
  • Out-of-province conviction sharing under CCMTA (Ontario, other provinces).
  • Previous conduct evaluation with unresolved corrective measures.

The CTQ Hearing — How It Proceeds

01

NOTICE ISSUED

SAAQ or CTQ issues a formal notice — conduct evaluation, NIR, or hearing summons. Deadlines are strict. Response windows are short.

02

FILE REVIEW & GAP ANALYSIS

We review your RPEVL safety score history, infraction record, maintenance files, driver qualification records, and HOS documentation to identify every gap the tribunal will examine.

03

DOCUMENTATION BUILD-OUT

We compile the complete hearing file — incident chronology, exhibit index, corrective action evidence, SMS documentation, driver training records, and remedial control plan.

04

COUNSEL COORDINATION

CTQ proceedings require a licensed Quebec transport lawyer for tribunal advocacy. We deliver the documentation infrastructure to counsel so they can focus on strategy and argument.

05

POST-PROCEEDING COMPLIANCE

We implement the corrective architecture imposed by the tribunal — compliance monitoring, documentation governance, and score recovery planning.

WHAT WE COMPILE FOR A CTQ HEARING FILE

  • RPEVL / NIR status and score history
  • SAAQ demerit and conduct records
  • Mechanical defect and OOS events
  • HOS / ELD compliance records
  • SMS policies and training evidence
  • Remedial measures previously taken
  • Infraction and collision chronology
  • Roadside inspection findings
  • Driver qualification files (DQF)
  • Maintenance and safety round records
  • Corrective action plan
  • Summary exhibit index for counsel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a SAAQ conduct evaluation and a CTQ hearing?

The SAAQ evaluation is an administrative review of your safety record, while a CTQ hearing is a formal tribunal proceeding where your right to operate a heavy vehicle is decided. The SAAQ evaluation often precedes a CTQ hearing.

Can we prepare documentation without a lawyer?

Documentation preparation is a technical compliance task that we handle. However, for legal representation and advocacy before the CTQ tribunal, you must retain a licensed Quebec transport lawyer. We work alongside your counsel to provide the evidence they need.

How quickly can you begin?

We begin within 24 hours of initial contact. For matters with hearing dates within 7 days, call directly — we work under deadline pressure and can compress the documentation timeline when necessary.

NOTICE: We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. We provide hearing documentation preparation, chronology development, exhibit compilation, and corrective action file assembly. For formal advocacy before the CTQ or any administrative tribunal, carriers must retain a licensed Quebec transport lawyer. We coordinate with and refer to licensed counsel in our professional network.