Ontario Cracking Down on Auto Theft and Careless Driving

The Ontario government is cracking down on auto theft by introducing legislation that, if passed, would create a new provincial offence for fraudulent vehicle registrations. This is one of a series of measures being taken by the provincial government to fight auto theft, including providing additional funding and equipment to police services to tackle auto theft and introducing legislation that would suspend the driver’s licences of those who are convicted of motor vehicle theft, including lifetime bans for repeat offenders.

“VIN fraud and careless driving are on the rise in Ontario,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “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 tough new legislation will target car thieves and other reckless behaviour, particularly in instances causing bodily harm or death.”

The 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.

“The federal government has created the conditions that have put our province and our people at risk,” said Graham McGregor, Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are doing everything in our power to protect the people of this province from auto theft and criminals, including creating new offences through this legislation.”

The proposed legislation will also make streets safer by expanding careless driving laws to 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.

In May 2024, Ontario introduced the Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024, which would, if passed, improve community safety and protect people and families from road users who engage in dangerous and illegal activities such as impaired driving, stunt driving and auto theft.

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