So far in 2018, officers from the North Bay Detachment of the OPP have charged 22 people with driving while under suspension.
The OPP says Ontario has over 700,000 people registered as suspended drivers, and many of them are still on the road driving.
However, with new technology, such as Automatic Licence Plate Readers (ALPR) and computer tablets in police vehicles, it is much easier for OPP officers to pinpoint suspended drivers.
If a driver is charged with suspended driving for unpaid fines or medical reasons, they can be arrested and will be issued a summons to attend Provincial Offences Court. Upon conviction, they face a fine ranging between $1,000 and $5,000 for the first offence and between $2,000 and $5,000 for each subsequent offence. There is also a possibility of imprisonment for a term of up to six months.
For those drivers who are suspended for demerit points, failing to pay child support, or failing to complete a remedial program, they face the same range of fines or jail but also a 7-day vehicle impoundment which could result in large towing bills.
