Driving While Suspended Penalties
Driving with a suspended license is not a regular ticket and it can not be paid without going to court. Driving suspended is pursued by way of summons and does not have a set fine prescribed for this offence. One of the reasons why this matter is pursued by way of summons is a potential jail sentence as part of the penalty. Penalties for driving while suspended include fine of no less than $1000 and no more than $5000, six months licence suspension and jail term not exceeding 6 months. These are the penalties for a first offence! On subsequent convictions penalties become even more devastating.
Many of our clients rely on their licence to earn a living. If convicted for this offence your employment may be at risk. Driving licence may be suspended for many reasons and the driver should be aware of his/her licence status. In some cases it may not be very simple. Diligence is of utmost importance not to have a suspended license.
Sources of License Suspension
- Unpaid Fines
- Demerit Points Accumulation
- Escalating Sanctions for Novice Drivers
- Criminal Conviction
- Medical Suspension
Drivers caught for driving with a suspended license - including default of family support, but not including suspensions for defaulted fines or medical conditions are subject to vehicle impoundment for seven days. If the driver was suspended and vehicle was impounded it is the responsibility of the owner to pay towing and impoundment fees. When period of a license suspension comes to an end, MTO will charge a reinstatement fee to reinstate driver's privileges. It is worth to note that if your drivers license has been suspended for an extended period of time, MTO may cancel it and require a completion of examination.
Is Driving Under Suspension a Criminal Offense?
It is not a criminal charge. It is a strict liability offence under a Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. Strict liability means that a defence of due diligence is available to this charge. Even if prosecution is able to prove all of the required elements of offence, it would still be possible to beat the driving under suspension ticket if circumstances of your case meet the available legal argument. Defending this violation should not be understated. Often a prosecutor will seek jail time for driving with a suspended license, especially if there are previous convictions for same offense.
Traffic Law Paralegal Services has been defending motorists in Ontario for many years and confident that we can help you solve your case.
If you got charged with driving under suspension, Traffic Law Paralegal Services is dedicated to fight for you. Call to fight your case today (905)206-9080
What we do
Traffic Law Paralegal Services has been defending traffic violations and summary criminal offences in Ontario for almost two decades.
At Traffic Law you will receive experienced and competent representation fighting traffic and criminal charges (summary offences). Most common allegations include careless driving tickets, stunt driving, no insurance and more.
About Traffic Law Paralegal Services
Serhiy Senatorov is an owner of Traffic Law Paralegal Services, former vice-president of Licensed Paralegals Association (Ontario), former vice-president and one of the founding board members of the Ontario Paralegals Association and a regular speaker on continuing professional development in a legal community.
Serhiy Senatorov is providing trusted and reliable defense in Ontario and confident to help you.