i.
What the charge means
Drivers in the Graduated Licensing system face additional rules including zero blood alcohol, restrictions on passengers, supervised driving, and 400-series highway access.
HTA Reg. 340/94
Novice Driver Charges charges in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Zero BAC, zero passenger, supervised-driving and seat-belt rules for G1/G2 drivers. Escalating suspensions on conviction — fast-tracked defence essential.
- Courthouse
- Niagara Region Provincial Offences Court
- Court Phone
- (905) 687-6590
- Consultation
- Free & Confidential
ii.
Penalties
First conviction: 30-day suspension. Second: 90 days and possible licence cancellation. Insurance impact is significant for the duration of the GDL period.
iii.
Available defences
- Identification of driver
- Charter — unlawful stop or detention
- Disclosure deficiencies
iv.
The process
Early Resolution meeting or trial. We routinely seek reductions to non-GDL offences to preserve the licence.
v.
Notes for St. Catharines
St. Catharines criminal matters are heard at the St. Catharines courthouse on Church Street. Provincial offences from across Niagara Region, St. Catharines included, are heard at the Niagara Region POA court in Welland.
Traffic / POA Court
Niagara Region Provincial Offences Court
445 East Main Street, Welland, ON L3B 3X7
(905) 687-6590
All Niagara Region provincial offences, St. Catharines included. Niagara runs a single POA courthouse, in Welland — there is no POA courtroom in St. Catharines.
Charged with novice driver charges?
Defence starts with a conversation.
Twenty minutes, confidential, no obligation. We’ll discuss your charge, the realistic outcomes, and the cost of defence before you commit to anything.