Driving Offences in Ontario

Updated October 8, 2026

Driving allegations may arise under the Criminal Code, provincial traffic legislation or municipal rules. A collision, traffic ticket, licence suspension and criminal charge are not interchangeable. Identify every notice, charge, court date and restriction before deciding how to respond.

Criminal and provincial proceedings are different

Ontario's Ministry of Transportation explains that traffic laws come from several levels of government and can affect fines, liberty, licensing and vehicle impoundment. A person may face more than one process after the same incident. A decision in one process should not be assumed to resolve every other restriction or allegation.

Dangerous operation

Criminal Code section 320.13 concerns operation of a conveyance in a manner dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances. The section distinguishes allegations involving bodily harm or death. Counsel must examine both the conduct alleged and the required criminal fault. A collision or traffic-rule breach should not automatically be treated as proving a criminal offence.

Failure to stop after an accident

Section 320.16 addresses specified failures to stop, identify oneself and provide assistance where required after an accident involving another person or conveyance. Knowledge or recklessness about the accident, the surrounding circumstances and any reasonable excuse require examination. Allegations involving bodily harm or death raise additional statutory issues. The precise criminal charge must be distinguished from other collision-reporting duties.

Suspension and criminal prohibition

Section 320.18 addresses operation while subject to specified prohibitions or legal restrictions connected with a Criminal Code conviction or discharge. It contains conditions and exceptions that require individual review. An ordinary provincial suspension should not simply be equated with every criminal prohibition. Obtain the actual order and licence record. Do not drive until counsel and the licensing authority have clarified what is lawfully permitted.

Evidence and practical next steps

Preserve notices, licence records, insurance documents, photographs, dashcam files, messages and witness details. Footage may be overwritten quickly. Disclosure may include officer notes, measurements, statements or technical evidence. Follow court dates and restrictions, and seek advice before giving an account or accepting a proposed resolution. Impaired-driving allegations need their own analysis; the linked DUI article addresses that topic. No licence outcome or case result can be guaranteed.

Sources and scope

Sources: Criminal Code section 320.13; Criminal Code section 320.16; Criminal Code section 320.18; Ontario Ministry of Transportation: Safe and Responsible Driving. This is an updated replacement for a legacy overview. It is general information, not legal advice. The exact charge, applicable statutory version and evidence require individual review.