Novice Drivers in Ontario
New drivers in Ontario holding G1 and G2 licenses must follow strict rules and regulations to help them develop safe driving habits. These rules are more stringent compared to those for full G drivers. New drivers need to learn these regulations and follow them closely. Adhering to these rules ensures their safety and contributes to a more responsible driving experience for everyone on the road. The rules and regulations for novice drivers are as follows:
G1 Licence
- Driver must maintain a zero blood alcohol level; even a single sip of alcohol can put you at risk as a G1 driver.
- Every passenger must wear a properly working seatbelt.
- G1 drivers cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Without a certified driving instructor, G1 drivers cannot drive on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways that exceed 80km/h.
- G1 drivers must drive with a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience and a blood alcohol level of less than .05 (if this person is 21 and under, their blood alcohol level should be zero.
G2 Licence
- Driver must maintain a zero blood alcohol level; even a single sip of alcohol can put you at risk as a G2 driver.
- Carry only as many passengers as there are working seatbelts.
G2 Drivers: 19 and Under
- For the first six months, G2 drivers 19 years or younger can only drive with one passenger who is 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m.
- After six months, g2 drivers 19 and under can drive with up to three passengers 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m.
These conditions do not apply if:
- You have a fully licensed driver in the car (with four years plus experience driving)
- Your passengers are immediate family members (brother, sister, child, etc.)
Penalties for Novice-driver violations
Drivers who hold novice licences must follow specific rules based on their licence class. If any of the conditions of the graduated licensing program are violated, the licence will be suspended for 30 days. The suspension begins from the moment the licence is surrendered. If the licence is not handed over, it can be revoked for up to two years. The penalties for a conviction related to novice driver violations vary depending on the specific violation committed. These could range from driving with too many people in the car at night to something as serious as driving under the influence of alcohol. Some of the penalties include, but are not limited to:
- Licence suspension
- Fines
- Cancellation of novice licence
- Demerit points
You’ve Been Charged–Now What?
- Stop driving-the last thing you need is another ticket for driving under a suspended licence.
- It is advisable to hire a lawyer immediately.
- If you haven’t already completed a government-approved driver education course, enrolling in one before going to court is advisable. This may help resolve your case and lead to a reduced fine.
How to Fight Novice Driver Violations in Ontario?
Hire a traffic ticket 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 novice driver violation charge. Having a lawyer represent you will significantly improve your chances of winning in court and avoid hefty penalties for driving without insurance. 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 charged with a novice driver violation charge. And with a lawyer, you may not even need to attend court yourself. Fighting a novice driver violation 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 XPolice is highly recommended to avoid frustrating outcomes.
Learn more about novice driving and the penalties you can face.