What is Driving While Suspended?
In Ontario, driving while your licence is suspended is a serious offence. Under the Highway Traffic Act (Section 53):
Every person who drives a motor vehicle or streetcar on a highway while their licence is suspended is guilty of an offence.
- First offence: Fine between $1,000–$5,000
- Subsequent offences: Fine between $2,000–$5,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both
Common Reasons for Licence Suspension
- Unpaid traffic tickets or fines
- Alcohol-related offences
- Medical reasons
- Accumulation of demerit points
Penalties for Driving While Suspended
First Conviction
- Fine: $1,000–$5,000
- Licence suspension: 6 months (mandatory)
- Possible jail term: up to 6 months
Did You Know: If your suspension is due to a Criminal Code conviction, fines range from $5,000–$25,000 for a first offence.
Second Conviction
- Fine: $2,000–$5,000
- Licence suspension: 6 months (mandatory)
- Possible jail term: up to 6 months
Did You Know: Subsequent Criminal Code-related offences can result in fines of $10,000–$50,000.
Additional Enforcement Measures
As of December 1, 2010, police can:
- Impound vehicles for 7 days for certain Highway Traffic Act suspensions, impaired driving, or non-compliance with ignition interlock requirements.
Driving while suspended can also dramatically increase insurance premiums for at least three years. Even one conviction can result in thousands of dollars per year in added costs, or difficulty obtaining coverage at all.