“Licence, insurance, and registration.” Most of us have heard that demand from a police officer. But what exactly should you keep in the car with you at all times? There are three main documents you require to drive in Ontario.
What you need to have in the car:
Driver’s Licence
Whether you’re a new driver, visiting, or new to Ontario, you need to carry a valid driver’s licence. If you’re a brand-new driver in Ontario, you’ll need to complete a 20-month multi-step licensing process.
This licensing process is what commonly call G1, G2 and G licences. Make sure to understand what is required of you for each licence step. You can find out more at the Ministry of Transportation website.
If you have a valid driver’s licence from another country or province, you can use that licence within Ontario for 60 days. After 60 days, you’ll need to apply for an Ontario licence.
The Highway Traffic Act states:
33.(1) Every driver of a motor vehicle or street car shall carry his or her licence with him or her at all times while he or she is in charge of a motor vehicle or street car and shall surrender the licence for reasonable inspection upon the demand of a police officer or officer appointed for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
Penalties: Failing to provide documentation of a driver’s licence when stopped at the roadside can result in fines under the Highway Traffic Act
| Driver fail to give identification | $85.00 |
| Driver fail to surrender licence | $85.00 |
| Permit unlicenced person to drive motor vehicle | $200.00 |
| Drive motor vehicle – no licence | $260.00 |
| Drive motor vehicle – improper licence | $260.00 |
| Fail to surrender suspended, revoked or cancelled licence | N.S.F. * |
| *N.S.F. means no set fine, so the Justice at trial can choose the penalty |
Insurance
Insuring your vehicle provides some protection in the case of an accident, and ensures you’re on the right side of the law regarding documentation. When driving your vehicle, you should carry an original pink insurance card from your insurance company.
Insurance in Ontario is one of the priciest in the country, nearly 57% higher than the national average (as of 2015). While it may seem like a hassle, the penalties for being caught without insurance are steep. Under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA) the investigating officer has three years to start proceedings after the date on which the offence was allegedly committed.
The CAIA states:
3 (1) An operator of a motor vehicle on a highway shall have in the motor vehicle at all times,
- an insurance card for the motor vehicle; or
- an insurance card evidencing that the operator is insured under a contract of automobile insurance,
- and the operator shall surrender the insurance card for reasonable inspection upon the demand of a police officer.
Penalties: Failing to show your pink insurance card carries a fine of $50 and up to $400 if you lose your court case. If you don’t tell the truth about having insurance, there is a minimum penalty of $5,000 with a 25% victim fine surcharge, which means the total penalty can reach $6,250. Offering an officer false insurance documents carries a fine from $5000 up to $25,000, and a subsequent conviction can cost $10,000 up to $50,000, plus a licence suspension of up to one year.
Registration
Every vehicle in Ontario must be registered to the owner, which means having a vehicle permit, licence plate, and licence plate sticker. To register your car, you’ll need:
- Your driver’s licence or RIN (registrant identification number)
- Proof of purchase (something that can be considered a bill of sale
- Proof of insurance
- A used vehicle information package
- A licence plate
- The original vehicle permit from the seller with completed transfer portion
- If your vehicle is older, you will likely need to pass an emissions test
This is the only document of the three you are required to carry while driving that can be a photocopy of the original document.
Penalties: Fines under the HTA typically range from $85.00 to $140.00 for permit and validation offences.
Licence, insurance, and registration
Make sure you carry your licence, insurance, and registration to avoid getting any related traffic tickets.
Related: Driving without insurance can be costly
Every situation is different. Remember, you have a right to fight your traffic ticket. At Bulwark Legal Services, we provide free consultations. Send us a copy of your traffic ticket, and we will help you decide the right course of action to take. Contact us today.
Bulwark Legal Services – Fighting traffic tickets in Guelph, Kitchener, Brampton, Caldeon and more.
By France Matthewson
