Many Ontario drivers believe they’re “good drivers” because they avoid speeding and stop at red lights. But in Ontario, some of the most serious driving offences aren’t about how you drive — they’re about what you forget, overlook, or misunderstand.
From driving under suspension to expired vehicle permits and distracted driving, these rules are often underestimated, yet they carry severe legal, financial, and insurance consequences.
Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to the 7 essential Ontario driving laws every driver must know and remember — because ignorance is never a defence.
#1
Driving Under Suspension: A Serious Criminal-Style Offence
Driving while your licence is suspended is one of the most serious offences under Ontario law. Common reasons licences are suspended:
- Unpaid fines
- Too many demerit points
- Impaired driving
- Medical or administrative suspensions
Consequences include:
- Heavy fines (often thousands of dollars)
- Additional licence suspension
- Possible vehicle impoundment
- Jail time in severe cases
- High-risk insurance or loss of coverage
Important: Even if you “didn’t know” your licence was suspended, you can still be charged. Always check your licence status before driving.
#2
Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Fail to Remain)
Leaving the scene of an accident — even a minor one — is treated extremely seriously.
This includes:
- Parking lot collisions
- Hitting a parked car
- Property damage without injuries
Your legal duty:
- Stop immediately
- Remain at the scene
- Exchange information
- Report the collision if required
Consequences:
- Criminal-style charges
- Massive insurance consequences
- Possible licence suspension
- Potential jail time in severe cases
Tip: If you can’t find the owner of a damaged vehicle, report the incident immediately. Leaving “to deal with it later” can become a criminal offence.
#3
Driving With No Insurance: One of the Costliest Mistakes
Driving without valid insurance is illegal — even if:
- Your policy expired yesterday
- You forgot to renew
- You were “just driving a short distance”
Penalties include:
- Fines starting at $5,000
- Possible licence suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- Future insurance premiums skyrocketing
Critical reminder: Police databases instantly verify insurance status. Assumptions don’t protect you — documentation does.
#4
Vehicle Permit Renewal: The Overlooked Requirement
Ontario eliminated licence plate stickers — not licence plate renewal.
Your vehicle permit must still be renewed:
- Every 1 or 2 years
- Even if renewal is free
- Even if your plate “looks fine”
If you forget:
- Your plate becomes invalid
- You can be fined
- You may face issues with insurance claims
- Plate renewal may be blocked by unpaid fines or tolls
This is one of the most common and easily avoidable violations in Ontario today.
#5
Property Damage Reporting Threshold Has Increased — but Rules Still Apply
Ontario increased the property damage-only collision reporting threshold to $5,000 total damage.
What this means:
- Minor fender benders under $5,000 may not require police reporting
- You must still exchange information
- You must still report to your insurer
- Any injuries, public property damage, or disputes must be reported immediately
Mistake to avoid: Assuming “no report needed” means “no consequences.” Insurance obligations still apply.
#6
Distracted Driving: Major Penalties, Major Insurance Impact
Distracted driving is treated as a major offence in Ontario. Includes:
- Holding a phone
- Texting at a red light
- Scrolling or watching videos
- Using hand-held devices
Penalties escalate quickly:
- Heavy fines
- Demerit points
- Licence suspensions
- Harsher penalties for novice drivers
Insurance reality: Distracted driving is often classified as a major conviction, leading to:
- Immediate premium increases
- Loss of discounts
- Possible non-renewal
One distracted moment can cost thousands over 3 years.
#7
Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol or Drugs)
Driving under the influence remains one of the most severe offences under Ontario law.
Includes:
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- Prescription medications that impair driving ability
Consequences:
- Immediate roadside licence suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- Criminal charges
- Long-term licence suspension
- Mandatory programs and ignition interlock
- High-risk insurance for years
Zero tolerance applies to novice drivers and commercial drivers.
This offence affects every aspect of your life — not just your driving record.
Why These Rules Are Often Overlooked
- They’re not always about “bad driving”
- Many involve paperwork, renewals, or assumptions
- Changes happen quietly
- Drivers rely on outdated information
Unfortunately, enforcement hasn’t become more lenient — only awareness has dropped.
Final Takeaway: Smart Driving Is Also Smart Compliance
Being a responsible Ontario driver isn’t just about obeying speed limits. It’s about knowing the rules that silently carry the biggest consequences.
Before you drive, ask yourself:
- Is my licence valid?
- Is my insurance active?
- Is my permit renewed?
- Am I fully compliant today?
Because in Ontario, the most expensive driving mistakes are often the ones drivers didn’t realize they were making.
Carlos Perdomo, Paralegal
