The SAAQ is highlighting a method of ensuring properly modified vehicles don’t encounter issues with police in 2015: certify them. According to information published on its website, vehicle owners can have their modifications inspected and certified by the agency.
At first, we thought this was a new program because we’d never seen a SAAQ certificate which provides details on specific modifications before. We contacted them directly and the SAAQ told MontrealRacing.com that in fact, this program has been in existence since 1986. Here is how it works:
You need to make an appointment at a certified SAAQ garage. Then: (translated from the official text by us)
The garage will prepare a modified vehicle dossier which they will send to the Direction de l’expertise et de la sécurité des véhicules (DESV or vehicle safety and security expertise department) for analysis. If the vehicle conforms to the law, the DESV will inform the garage to proceed with the mechanical inspection so a mechanical verification certificate (CVM) can be issued. When the DESV receives the CVM, they will send you a proof of inspection including photos of the vehicle in question as well as certain measurements (height, clearance, tires size etc). The proof of inspection is to be kept in the vehicle at all times so it can be produced when needed.
In the past, we’ve seen stickers indicating that your vehicle had been inspected by the SAAQ but nothing with regard to any modifications. If the SAAQ is indeed giving owners the tools to prove their modifications are legal we find this very encouraging!
I’m going to personally test this new system out in a series of blog posts over the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Here is the SAAQ page (French only):
http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/securite_routiere/vehicules_technologies/vehicules_abaisses/index.php