Montreal police handed out 1,600 citations in 2025 to cyclists who were found wearing earphones while riding, despite a provincial rule that permits motorists to use a single earphone.
The citations were issued under the Quebec Road Safety Code, which explicitly bans the use of earphones on bicycles but allows drivers to wear one earphone. Police de Montréal cited the regulation as the basis for the enforcement action.
Police officials explained that the rule aims to keep cyclists alert to traffic conditions. François Joly, a spokesperson for the force, said the citations reflect the department’s commitment to applying the code consistently across all road users.
Two traffic‑safety specialists were consulted to provide context for the enforcement. They noted that the distinction between cyclists and motorists in the code is intended to address the different levels of vulnerability and the need for cyclists to maintain full auditory awareness.
The enforcement campaign took place throughout the city during 2025. While the number of citations issued to cyclists reached 1,600, there were no comparable figures reported for motorists, indicating that the police focused specifically on the breach of the earphone prohibition for cyclists.
The Quebec Road Safety Code’s differing rules for cyclists and drivers have been in effect for several years, but the recent citation surge suggests a heightened emphasis on compliance. Authorities indicated that the policy will continue to be enforced as part of broader road‑safety efforts.
Cyclists in Montreal are now reminded to remove earphones while riding to avoid penalties. The police statement underscored that the rule is intended to protect cyclists and improve overall safety on the city’s streets.