Legal Matters: Graduated licensing and novice drivers

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As of August 1, 2010 the laws behind novice drivers and young drivers have changed, with the primary  focus on preventing young drivers from drinking and getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, along with escalating sanctions for novice drivers.

Young drivers are classified as drivers under the age of 22, holding any class of licence. Novice drivers are drivers who carry a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence class.

As a young driver (a driver who is 21 and under) you cannot be behind the wheel of a motor vehicle with any alcohol in your blood stream.  If you were to proceed with a road side sobriety test by providing a breath sample, the device must register “0.00” for your blood alcohol content.  If you are caught driving with any alcohol in your blood, you will receive an immediate driver’s licence suspension at the roadside for 24 hours and, if convicted, you will face a fine of up to $500 and a 30-day licence suspension.

Further changes proceed with novice drivers.  If you are charged and convicted of an offence that contravenes the strict conditions set out by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO), for example being convicted of a four demerit point or more offence,you will lose your licence for 30 days and be required to reinstate your licence with the MTO at a cost of $150.00.

Should you repeat offend as a novice driver by contravening any one of these conditions, (ie. driving with above “0.00” blood alcohol contentor escalating sanctions), this will come with a mandatory 90 day licence suspension.  This will again require reinstating the novice driver’s licence with the MTO at $150.00 cost.

A third offence under these conditions will result in a cancellation of the novice driver’s licence and a requirement to re-apply for a G1 or M1.

These sanctions do, however, have particular exemptions that apply to drivers carrying specific hybrid licences – such as a driver who has their full G class licence with an M1 or M2, or a licensee carrying a Full M class licence with a G2 licence.

It is important to be aware of the restrictions on your licence as a young driver, novice driver and hybrid licence holder.

Ryan Slawson

Paralegal

Ryan is a Paralegal at Traffic Ticket Advocates Professional Corporation and can be reached at 905-898-0542

www.trafficticketadvocates.ca

The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice.

Published Newmarket Era – Feb 09 2015

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