To legally drive a car, you’ll need a driver’s licence issued by the government of your province or territory. You must have it with you whenever you’re driving. With it, you can drive anywhere in Canada.
If you have a valid licence from your home country, you’ll probably be able to use this to drive in Canada for a short time after you arrive. Check with the government of your province or territory for details.In any event, you should take the time to familiarise yourself with the road signage and rules in your new province. They may present different challenges to those you are used to, for example, winter driving in Canada might require preparation you’ve never had to consider before.
You may loose or get your driver’s license marked if you indulge in certain acts:
The holder of the driving license is a habitual criminal or habitual drunkard
The holder of the driving license is addicted to any narcotic drug
The holder of the driving license has used any motor vehicle while committing a cognizable offense
The holder of the driving license has, by his previous conduct as the driver of a motor vehicle, shown that his driving is likely to cause danger to the public
The holder of the driving license has committed any act which is likely to cause nuisance or danger to the public
The holder has not paid a fine for a driving offence.
The holder has accumulated too many demerit points.
The holder has been convicted of a criminal driving offence, such as driving while impaired.
Driving while prohibited or with a suspended licence is a crime. If you’re convicted, you’ll be prohibited from driving for at least 12 months. You’ll also face fines and possible jail time.
On a first conviction you face a fine between $500 and $2,000. A court may also sentence you to six months in jail.
With a further conviction you face a fine between $500 and $2,000. A court may also sentence you from 14 days to one year in jail.
Vehicle Impoundment
Police will impound the vehicle you were driving even if it’s not yours. They will impound it for:
- 7 days for a first infraction
- 30 days for a second infraction
- 60 days for a third infraction
The owner will be charged towing and storage costs. The owner must pay all costs before the lot will release their vehicle. In this case you will definitely need a criminal lawyer to handle the paper work and fine as well.
Court Imposed Suspension
If a person who holds a driver’s licence is convicted of a violation involving speed, careless or imprudent driving, racing, or passing a school bus under conditions described in the Motor Vehicle Act, the court or magistrate, in addition to any fine that may be imposed, will suspend the driver’s licence. It will be suspended for a period of 7 days in the case of a first offence, 15 days in the case of a second offence, and 30 days in the case of a third or subsequent offence.
In cases of careless and imprudent driving, a judge or magistrate may order the suspension of a driver’s licence, or the privilege of holding a licence, for any period up to one year following the conviction. Suspended driving license lawyers in Oakville can save you from the ban on permanent driving for a longer period of time.