What Are Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs)?
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) are financial penalties that government agencies issue to enforce compliance with laws and regulations without involving the court system. If you receive an AMP, you won’t get a criminal record, and you won’t need to go to court.
AMPs are commonly used for minor infractions, including traffic violations, municipal bylaw breaches, and regulatory offenses in areas like business compliance and public health. This system allows authorities to address infractions quickly while reducing the burden on the court system.
How Do They Differ From Regular Fines?
AMPs are different from regular fines because they do not require a court process or a conviction. Regular fines are issued through the judicial system, meaning you may have to appear in court or enter a plea. AMPs, on the other hand, are handled administratively by the agency responsible for enforcing the law.
Unlike fixed fines, AMPs can vary based on the severity of the offence. Because AMPs do not go through the court system, they are often processed more quickly, making enforcement more efficient and cost-effective.
What Can You Get Administrative Monetary Penalties for in Ontario?
AMPs cover a wide range of infractions, including traffic offences, regulatory violations, and business compliance issues. Some of the most common reasons for receiving an AMP include:
- Red light camera violations – If a camera catches your vehicle running a red light, you will receive an AMP by mail. The penalty applies to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving.
- Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) tickets – Speed cameras in designated areas, such as school zones and community safety zones, record speeding violations. The vehicle owner is responsible for paying the penalty.
- Bylaw infractions – Municipalities issue AMPs for parking violations, excessive noise, or failure to clear snow from sidewalks. These penalties help enforce local regulations without involving the courts.
- Environmental violations – Failing to follow waste disposal rules, polluting, or violating environmental protection laws can result in an AMP. These penalties encourage businesses and individuals to comply with environmental regulations.
- Business compliance issues – If a business operates without a proper license or fails to follow workplace safety rules, it may receive an AMP. This enforcement mechanism ensures businesses follow regulations without requiring legal action.
- Consumer protection infractions – False advertising, misleading pricing, or engaging in unfair business practices can result in AMPs. These penalties help maintain fair competition and protect consumers from fraudulent activities.
- Health Canada violations – AMPs may be issued for failing to comply with public health regulations, including improper labeling of health products, unsafe food handling, or violations of medical device regulations.
- Border security violations – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) issues AMPs for customs infractions, such as failing to declare goods, exceeding duty-free limits, or providing false information when entering Canada.
- FINTRAC compliance violations – The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) can impose AMPs on businesses and financial institutions that fail to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO) compliance violations – Businesses in the financial sector, including mortgage brokers, insurance providers, and credit unions, can receive AMPs for failing to comply with FSRAO regulations, such as improper licensing, misleading advertising, or inadequate consumer disclosures.
- Labour law violations – AMPs can be issued under the Canada Labour Code for failing to comply with workplace safety standards, wage regulations, or employment conditions. These penalties encourage businesses to maintain fair and legal working conditions.
This list does not cover every situation where AMPs apply. Many government agencies have the authority to issue penalties for violations within their respective areas.
Conclusion
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) are a practical tool used by various government agencies to enforce laws and regulations without resorting to the court system. They apply to a wide range of situations—from traffic offences and bylaw violations to more complex regulatory matters involving public health, border security, financial compliance, and workplace safety. Although AMPs are less severe than criminal charges, they can still carry meaningful financial consequences.
