Ontario Cracking Down on Auto Theft and Careless Driving

• VIN fraud and careless driving are on the rise in Ontario, and that’s why our government is taking steps to protect unsuspecting buyers and giving police the powers they need to keep our roads and communities safe.
• Our proposed legislation would create a new provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) for knowingly providing a false vehicle identification number (VIN) when applying for a vehicle permit.
• Penalties would be up to $100,000 for convictions, the possibility of up to six months in jail and up to one-year driver’s licence or vehicle permit suspension.
• Our proposed legislation will also make streets safer by expanding careless driving laws to private parking lots, such as malls, and extending the time that charges can be laid from six months to two years.
  • These changes will help local police respond to and prevent unsanctioned events such as car rallies and street racing while allowing more time to investigate, collect evidence, and hold drivers accountable, especially in instances of bodily harm or death.
• When criminals find new tactics, government and police have a responsibility to respond. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are using every tool in our toolbox to protect communities by shutting down auto theft and reckless behaviour on the road.