CAA-Quebec: Thinking of buying a vehicle in the U.S.
If vehicle modifications are necessary, you have 45 days in which to complete them. The buyer is responsible for all costs to bring the vehicle into compliance. Examples of modifications to components that typically must be made to ensure compliance are:
- daytime running lights;
- built-in child restraint system;
- rear child seat tether anchorage;
- 8 km/h bumpers;
- head restraints
Are daytime running lights mandatory in Quebec?
Gary Howard, vice-president of CAA Atlantic, said he was "pleasantly surprised" to hear drivers without daytime running lights on their vehicles can be fined $172.50 and lose two points on their driving record as of Nov. 1, 2017.
As of 2020, Howard said, all cars manufactured will have daytime running lights that also illuminate tail lights, which will make even more of a difference.
Bonus factoid from The Globe and Mail (circa 2016)
Technically, airbags aren't required on Canadian cars – and you could get them turned off: Airbags have been required on all cars sold in the United States since 1998. There's no requirement in Canada, but cars sold here have them.
You can get an on/off switch installed. Technically, you're only supposed to consider this if a child under 12 will be sitting in the front seat or if your doctor has recommended it – but no proof of either is needed.
Still, you're safer in a crash with a front air bag than you are without one – even if you're driving with a
Takata airbag that hasn't been replaced, Transport Canada said.