Careless Driving in Ontario
Careless driving is a common traffic violation in Canada, especially in Ontario. Careless driving involves operating a car or streetcar on a highway without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other drivers using the highway. Careless driving charges are usually given to drivers involved in an accident where a police officer was not present to witness the specific driver’s actions that led to the collision.
Anyone who drives a vehicle or streetcar on a highway without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway is guilty of a careless driving offense upon conviction.
Penalties for Careless Driving
If convicted of careless driving, you may receive:
- Six demerit points
- Fines between $2,000-$50,000
- Increased insurance premiums
- A jail term of six months
- A licence suspension of up to two years
You could also face criminal charges for dangerous driving, which may result in jail time of up to 10 years for causing bodily harm or up to 14 years for causing death.
It is crucial to understand the severe consequences of careless driving in Ontario. Careless driving can lead to legal repercussions as well as other consequences. These charges are considered “catch-all” and can have a severe impact on your insurance, similar to an impaired driving charge. If you are convicted of careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act, it will remain on your driving record for three years, starting from the date of conviction. It’s important to keep in mind that certain government jobs require a clean driving record, and having a prior conviction for careless driving may affect your employment opportunities. Additionally, your insurance company can use a careless driving conviction to increase your insurance premiums for up to six years. Driving without insurance can also seriously impact your chances of securing government jobs such as in the police or military. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a clean driving record and drive safely to avoid any potential consequences.
How to Fight a Careless Driving Charge in Ontario?
Hire a traffic lawyer or paralegal to represent you in court
*Remember, if you choose to simply pay the fine and not go to court, you are pleading guilty
It is highly recommended that you seek legal representation immediately if facing a careless driving charge. Having a lawyer represent you will significantly improve your chances of winning in court and avoid hefty penalties for careless driving. If you choose not to hire representation, you must be ready to go through the complicated process alone.
Why Hire a Traffic Lawyer?
As previously stated, hiring a traffic lawyer can improve your chances of winning in court if you have been caught driving without insurance. And with a lawyer, you may not even need to attend court yourself. Fighting a careless driving ticket on your own is time-consuming and requires relevant knowledge and experience to achieve positive results in court. Therefore, working with a professional lawyer like X-Police is highly recommended to avoid frustrating outcomes
Learn more about the Ontario Highway Traffic Act
Careless driving causing bodily harm or death
(3) Every person is guilty of the offence of driving carelessly who drives a vehicle or street car on a highway without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway and who thereby causes bodily harm or death to any person. 2017, c. 26, Sched. 4, s. 17.
Penalty
(4) On conviction under subsection (3), a person is liable to a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both, and in addition his or her driver’s licence or permit may be suspended for a period of not more than five years. 2017, c. 26, Sched. 4, s. 17.