What the charge means
Section 2(1) of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act prohibits operating or permitting the operation of a motor vehicle on a highway unless it is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy.
Quick Answer — Caledon
Driving without valid insurance in Ontario carries a minimum fine of $5,000 for a first offence — one of the highest mandatory minimums under the Highway Traffic Act. Beyond the fine, a conviction causes severe long-term insurance consequences and can make coverage difficult to obtain at standard rates. These charges are worth contesting.
There is no transit in Caledon, so when insurance lapses the driving usually does not stop — work, school and everything else are a long drive away and there is no other way to get there. That is not a defence, and Point Duty Traffic Court Defence will not pretend otherwise, but it is the reason most Caledon no insurance charges exist and it is worth the Old Church Road court hearing it properly rather than not at all.
Operating a motor vehicle without valid insurance is one of Ontario's most heavily-penalised driving offences — fines start at $5,000 and the long-term insurance consequences often exceed the fine itself.
Section 2(1) of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act prohibits operating or permitting the operation of a motor vehicle on a highway unless it is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy.
First offence: minimum $5,000 fine, maximum $25,000, plus a 25% victim fine surcharge. Subsequent offences: $10,000 to $50,000. Possible licence suspension up to one year and vehicle impoundment up to three months. After conviction, obtaining insurance often requires the Facility Association at high-risk premiums for several years.
Provincial Offences Court. Given the severity, almost always benefits from professional representation. Crown is often willing to reduce or withdraw where proof of coverage at the time can be located, even after the fact.
Caledon traffic and Provincial Offences Act matters from Caledon OPP and the Town of Caledon bylaw are heard at the Caledon POA Court on Old Church Road. Criminal matters from Caledon proceed at the Orangeville Courthouse on Louisa Street.
6311 Old Church Road, Caledon, ON L7C 1J6
(905) 584-2273
Town of Caledon provincial offences only. Dufferin County matters go to the Orangeville POA court, which is a separate operation.
Local practice notes reviewed 2026-09-11
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