Drivers who are convicted of driving while their licence is suspended for a Criminal Code conviction face high fines under the Highway Traffic Act:
- $5,000 – $25,000 for a first conviction
- $10,000 – $50,000 for subsequent convictions
Vehicle impoundment
Under Ontario's Vehicle Impoundment Program, drivers caught driving while their licence is suspended for a Criminal Code conviction will have the vehicle they are driving impounded for a minimum of 45 days. The vehicle will be impounded regardless of whether it is rented, leased, or loaned to a friend or family member, and the owner is liable for all towing and impoundment costs.
Vehicle owners are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to ensure that everyone who drives their vehicle has a valid driver's licence — including making certain the driver does not have an ignition-interlock condition on their licence.
Arrest without warrant — Highway Traffic Act
Any police officer who, on reasonable and probable grounds, believes that a contravention of certain provisions of the Highway Traffic Act has been committed may arrest, without warrant, the person they believe committed the contravention.
Detaining a vehicle when an arrest is made
A police officer making an arrest without warrant may detain the motor vehicle involved until the final disposition of any prosecution under the Act or under the Criminal Code of Canada. The vehicle may be released earlier if security for its production is given to the satisfaction of a justice of the peace or judge.
Care and storage charges
All costs and charges for the care and storage of a detained motor vehicle are a lien upon the vehicle, which may be enforced in the manner provided by the Repair and Storage Liens Act.