MTO Officers to write traffic tickets for moving violations
Starting in January of 2014, Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers have been given the authority to write traffic tickets and lay charges for moving violations against commercial vehicle drivers.
Previously, the officers could only lay charges in relation to CVOR issues. This new authority given to Ministry officers allows them to write traffic tickets for charges like improper turns, red light violations, careless driving and even speeding tickets.
Although this authority already existed technically, the Ministry of Transportation discourages officers from writing these types of traffic tickets and are directed to focus on mechanical safety, log books, dangerous goods and other related offences.
The impact of this could dramatically affect individual commercial motor vehicle drivers and the company’s that they work for as any traffic ticket and CVOR points can affect the driver and the company.
The Ministry of Transportation has assigned 5 CVOR points to most moving violations under the Highway Traffic Act.
The higher the chances of these charges being laid, the higher the chances that drivers convicted will face disciplinary actions.
Too many traffic tickets can also result in drivers becoming unemployed and uninsurable.
Trucking Companies with too many tickets/convictions and too many CVOR points increase the chance of higher insurance rates, and/or an Audit of their company by the Ministry.
It will be very important in the future to take a hard look at any traffic ticket that has been laid and the evidence, or lack thereof to support the charge. More companies will choose to contest these charges in court in order to manage the number of points being assigned to their CVOR and more drivers will be contesting these charges in order to reduce the number of convictions being assigned to their records. It will be very important to seek advice prior to simply paying a fine. The results of not doing so could be career altering.
OTT Legal Services are committed to protecting the confidentiality of personal information from CVOR ticket consultations in Toronto and throughout Ontario that are requested through electronic communications as specified in our CVOR Traffic Ticket Privacy Policy. We do not share or give out any personal information to any persons or agencies regarding CVOR issues with our clients. Perspective and current clients with traffic tickets or CVOR tickets should understand and appreciate the risks associated with the transmitting of personal and or confidential information electronically and the potential for illicit interception.