i.
What the charge means
Driving a motor vehicle while a licence is suspended under any provincial or federal authority. Knowledge of the suspension is presumed but rebuttable.
Highway Traffic Act s.53
Drive Suspended charges in Toronto, Ontario.
Driving while your licence is suspended — significant minimum fines, vehicle impoundment, and possible imprisonment. Knowledge of the suspension is the key issue.
- Courthouse
- Toronto Provincial Offences Court
- Court Phone
- (416) 338-7000
- Consultation
- Free & Confidential
ii.
Penalties
Minimum fine $1,000 (first offence); up to $5,000; 6 months imprisonment; additional suspension; vehicle impoundment.
iii.
Available defences
- Knowledge of suspension (notice issues)
- Identification
- Charter — unlawful stop
- Defective notice from MTO
iv.
The process
Disclosure, MTO record review, and resolution. Often resolved by demonstrating lack of effective notice of suspension.
v.
Notes for Toronto
Toronto's POA matters are heard at 137 Edward Street; summary criminal charges are heard at the new Toronto Courthouse on Armoury Street, College Park, and the Ontario Court of Justice at Old City Hall (where still in operation). We appear at all of them.
Toronto Provincial Offences Court
137 Edward Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A8
(416) 338-7000
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