Ontario Proposes Tough New Penalties to Crack Down on Dangerous Driving Across the Province
Ontario’s Dangerous Driving Crackdown introduces lifetime bans and tougher penalties to protect families and prevent future tragedies.
TORONTO – The Ontario government is moving forward with a sweeping set of legislative changes aimed at cracking down on dangerous and high-risk driving, responding directly to calls from families and advocates following the death of Andrew Cristillo — a father of three killed by a driver charged with dangerous and stunt driving.
The province says the new measures, to be introduced in legislation tabled later today, are designed to deter reckless behaviour, strengthen accountability, and enhance safety on Ontario roads and highways.
“No family should ever face the heartbreak of losing a loved one or the trauma of a life-changing injury because of a dangerous and careless driver,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “These proposed changes will deter reckless behaviour, hold offenders accountable and make our roads and highways safer.”
Stronger Penalties for Dangerous and Careless Driving
The proposed measures include:
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Lifetime driver’s licence suspension for anyone convicted of dangerous driving causing death.
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Immediate 90-day roadside licence suspension and vehicle impoundment for drivers police reasonably believe are driving dangerously.
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Higher fines and longer impound periods for driving while suspended:
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First offence: 14-day impoundment; $2,000–$10,000 fine
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Second offence: 30-day impoundment; $5,000–$15,000 fine
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Third/subsequent: 45-day impoundment; $10,000–$20,000 fine
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Seven-day roadside suspension for careless driving; 30-day suspension for careless driving causing bodily harm or death.
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Increased fines for careless driving convictions to $1,000–$5,000.
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Enhanced road safety education for young and novice drivers.
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Tougher distracted-driving penalties for commercial vehicle operators:
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First offence: 7-day suspension, $1,000–$2,000 fine
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Second offence: 14-day suspension, $1,000–$4,000 fine
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Third/subsequent: 60-day suspension, $1,000–$6,000 fine
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Minimum fines for commercial vehicle speed limiter violations rising from $250 to $1,000.
The province is also consulting on a proposal that would require impaired drivers who cause the death of a parent or guardian to provide financial support to the victims’ children.
Our government is proposing tough new roadside licence suspensions for dangerous driving and a lifetime driving ban for anyone convicted of dangerous driving causing death.
Learn more: https://t.co/qoL8Mr4nLm pic.twitter.com/jpvuM8u54T
— Prabmeet Sarkaria (@PrabSarkaria) November 25, 2025
A Direct Response to “Andrew’s Law”
Following Andrew Cristillo’s death, his family launched a petition calling for stricter penalties and better driver education for high-risk driving behaviours. The government says the proposed measures directly reflect those calls to action.
“My brother died because a dangerous driver was allowed to keep driving. Andrew deserved better, and families deserve real protection. Andrew’s Law makes sure of it,” said Jordan Cristillo.
Ontario officials noted that despite having one of the lowest fatality rates in North America, dangerous driving remains a leading cause of preventable deaths.
Road Safety Organizations Welcome the Move
Groups including MADD Canada, the Ontario Trucking Association, and CAA South Central Ontario expressed support for the stronger penalties, citing the need to address the rise in dangerous and distracted driving on Ontario roads.
“Road safety must continue to be a priority for governments and law enforcement,” said Steve Sullivan, CEO of MADD Canada.
Background: Ontario’s Road Safety Record
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A driver convicted of dangerous driving in the previous five years is 3.5 times more likely to cause a serious collision.
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One in five roadway fatalities in Ontario involve large trucks.
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Distracted driving accounts for one in seven road deaths.
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The province has introduced several safety reforms in recent years, including lifetime suspensions for impaired driving causing death and mandatory ignition interlock devices.
The legislation is expected to be introduced later today at Queen’s Park.
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