Road vehicle verification for the SAAQ
Road vehicles with GVWR under 4500 kg
Centre du Véhicule Chartrand is an SAAQ-accredited mechanical inspection agent for road vehicles. At our Laval center, we carry out mandatory and preventive inspections for light vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 4,500 kg.
Our inspections cover several types of verification:
- Mechanical inspection (visual check of essential components)
- Photometric inspection (tinted window compliance)
- Inspection of severely damaged and rebuilt vehicles
- Inspection of modified vehicles
- Inspection of handcrafted vehicles
The mechanical inspection consists of a visual, non-invasive check of specific systems and components. It only includes the parts covered by the Highway Safety Code and the Regulation respecting safety standards for road vehicles. This is NOT a full mechanical assessment or a guarantee of the overall mechanical condition of the vehicle.
Our service certifies that your vehicle complies with current standards and is legally authorized to drive on Quebec roads. It is available to both individuals and businesses.
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Fast and certified SAAQ inspection
Why should you have your vehicle inspected?
Specific situations according to the SAAQ
The purpose of the inspection is to determine whether the vehicle is safe, compliant with regulations, and authorized to operate on Quebec’s public roads.
Mechanical inspection is mandatory to put or return the following vehicles into circulation:
- Used vehicle from outside Quebec
- Vehicle stored for more than 12 months
- Modified or handcrafted vehicle
- Severely damaged and rebuilt vehicle
- Certain minibuses, trucks, used military vehicles for personal use
- If a peace officer or the SAAQ considers the vehicle to be hazardous
These are general guidelines only. Rules may vary according to vehicle type, purpose or configuration. For complete requirements, consult the vehicles listed on the SAAQ website.
Need help figuring out your obligations? Call our team for quick answers: 
450-664-5945
Mandatory mechanical inspection
Periodic inspections to SAAQ requirements
Every 6 months
- Buses or minibuses
- Taxis and Uber vehicles aged 8 to 10 years
- School or driving school vehicles
- Taxis and Uber vehicles aged 4 to 7 years
- Emergency vehicles or tow trucks
- Motorcycles or mopeds used by driving schools
- Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,500 kg or more
Before your visit
Prepare your vehicle
Here are some things you can check yourself ahead of time to avoid a reinspection:
- Working headlights, position lights, and turn signals
- Battery securely mounted and corrosion-free
- Windshield wipers in good condition
- No dirt, rust, ice, or grease obstructing visual inspection
- Wheels and tires in good condition, with properly tightened nuts
- No loose or sharp exterior parts on the vehicle