Driving Without Insurance

Ontario’s Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA) mandates that all vehicle owners must maintain liability insurance before operating their vehicles on the road. This act imposes several charges and fines for insurance-related violations.

Driving without insurance is a severe offence. If caught, the driver faces a hefty fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) and a surcharge of approximately twenty percent (20%), totalling six thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ($6,250.00) for a first offence. Subsequent convictions result in doubled fines. Notably, even if the owner is not driving, they can be charged for permitting the operation of an uninsured vehicle. This is a “Reverse Onus Charge,” where the driver must prove valid insurance to the officer upon request.

Fail to Surrender Insurance Card:

If the driver cannot provide proof of valid insurance, they can be charged with a “Fail to Surrender Insurance Card” with a fine of sixty-five dollars ($65.00). Presenting false evidence of insurance is a grave offence, carrying a penalty of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) plus a twenty percent surcharge. Moreover, making a false statement to the Ministry of Transportation resulted in the same ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) fine.

Important Notes:

• Responsibility: The vehicle owner is accountable for having valid insurance, even if not driving.
• Insurance Proof: Always carry valid insurance documents; forgetting them might lead to fines and increased insurance rates.
• Legal Assistance: Seek professional advice to fight charges; it could lead to reduced fines or cancelled charges.

For any legal assistance related to insurance violations or other traffic matters, don’t hesitate to contact us. We specialize in defending clients against these charges and ensuring their rights are protected.