Piloting a 2,000-kilogram piece of machinery on public roads, powered by an engine that can carry it at high speed, is a huge responsibility. To prove you are capable of handling that responsibility, you are required to carry a valid driver’s licence.
If you have an expired driver’s license, then you have no proof that you are legally allowed to drive, and if you are stopped by a police officer, you may be charged with driving without a license.
Extension on Renewing Your Driver’s Licence
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has taken steps to ease many restrictions in an effort to limit in-person interactions during the COVID pandemic. When the pandemic first started, the government extended driver’s licence renewals.
Those that expired on or after March 1, 2020, remained valid and legal past the expiry, until further notice. In March 2021, it was announced that the extension will remain in place.
To make it easier to renew licences online, and avoid visiting a Service Ontario location, Ontario also temporarily waived the renewal requirements for people aged 80 years and over. They also waived the requirement for all drivers to update their driver’s license photos.
Despite all the extensions, the province made a point to encourage everyone with an expired driver’s licence to renew online.
Penalties for Driving with an Expired Driver’s Licence
While they are sure to give adequate notice, the government may lift the licence renewal extensions at any time. If you continue to drive with an expired licence after extensions are lifted, and are charged with driving without a licence, you may face serious and expensive consequences.
- Fines of between $200 – $1,000
- A conviction on your driving record for 3 years
- Demerit points
- Higher insurance rates
X-Copper’s team of former police officers and top traffic ticket defence lawyers are experienced in defending against driving without a licence charge. They put their experience and knowledge of criminal law, law enforcement and court procedures to work to fight for your rights and get you the best outcome.
If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article “What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket”.
