Q: It's only a $37 ticket, so I'm thinking I should go ahead and pay it. On the other hand, I don't have $37 and am wondering if it will ever catch up with me (I don't plan on driving again in Canada any time soon).
A: Unpaid tickets in Canada (as in the USA) will accumulate interest if unpaid, and can eventually result in a warrant for your arrest in Canada. If you decide NOT to pay it, be sure that you have no plans to re-enter Canada anytime soon, not just in Quebec. A traffic ticket at Niagara Falls two years from now may turn up the unpaid ticket in Quebec, and they will then have the right to hold you or your vehicle to ensure any outstanding fines are paid. Also, keep in mind that some American states have an agreement with Canada to honor tickets on BOTH sides of the border. So a New Yorker who gets a ticket in Ontario or Quebec will find that the NY DMV have been notified of any demerit points or their insurance may be advised of the ticket and the rates will go up. My advice: The ticket is under $40. If you don't want any blemishes on your records to come back and haunt you, find the money and pay it.