Ontario considers imposing extended driving suspensions and banning licenses for convicted auto thieves
Ontario is taking a strong stance against violent auto theft by implementing driver’s licence suspensions ranging from 10 years to a lifetime ban.
The government will propose legislation to suspend the driver’s licences of convicted car thieves in cases involving “aggravating factors” such as threats, violence, or the use of force or a weapon, announced Provincial Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria on May 14. Licences will also be suspended for car thieves associated with organized crime.
“Driving is a privilege, not a right. If you’re audacious enough to victimize other community members for your own selfish gain, you will lose that privilege,” Mr. Sarkaria asserted. “I understand this isn’t a complete solution, but criminals will soon realize that Ontario is taking action and not standing idly by.”
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association CEO Brian Kingston noted that the rewards reaped from auto theft far exceed the risks for vehicle thieves in Ontario.
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The province is also aiming to enforce stricter penalties for stunt driving. The proposed legislation includes licence suspensions for individuals convicted of stunt driving offenses.
A first-time conviction would lead to a one-year suspension, while a repeat offender would face a three-year licence revocation, according to Mr. Sarkaria. Those caught stunt driving for a third time would incur a lifetime suspension, potentially reduced to 10 years under specific conditions.
“We’ve heeded the warnings from law enforcement and community advocates regarding the increasing incidents of street racing and stunt driving,” he stated. “We are committed to utilizing all available resources to combat this issue.”
He mentioned that over 12,000 immediate roadside licence suspensions were issued in Ontario in 2023 for street racing or stunt driving, the highest number since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the rising occurrences of stunt driving and street racing on Ontario roads, the prevalence of vehicle thefts has also increased. Mr. Sarkaria noted that a vehicle is stolen every 14 minutes in Ontario.
Auto Theft
Earlier this year, Toronto Police highlighted auto theft as a significant problem in Canada’s largest city, with over 12,000 vehicles stolen last year, averaging 34 car thefts per day.
During a press conference on March 18, Police Chief Myron Demkiw mentioned the escalating trend of auto theft-related home invasions and a 78 percent rise in violent carjackings since 2021.
The spike in thefts starting from 2021 prompted a meeting of political leaders, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders in February in the nation’s capital to address ways to curb the theft and export of stolen cars. The summit explored the connection between the escalating number of thefts and criminal networks.
