The Ontario government is taking a strong stance against the rising tide of auto theft and carjackings by introducing new legislation aimed at significantly deterring these crimes. The proposed law, if passed, will impose severe penalties, including the suspension of driver’s licenses for those convicted of auto theft.
“Car theft is a cowardly and often violent crime that can traumatize victims and communities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is sending a clear message to those who commit these crimes: we are using every tool in our toolbox to keep them off our streets.”
Under the new legislation, individuals convicted of motor vehicle theft under the Criminal Code would face a 10-year driver’s license suspension for a first offence, a 15-year suspension for a second offence, and a lifetime suspension for a third offence. These suspensions would be enforced in cases where the court finds aggravating factors such as violence, the use of weapons, force, threats, or financial motives involved in the crime.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner reinforced the government’s commitment to tackling auto theft, stating, “Criminals who want to steal a car in Ontario need to know there will be severe consequences for doing so. Our government is taking bold action to stop what is a serious and often violent crime.”
In addition to targeting auto theft, the legislation also aims to strengthen penalties for stunt driving. Convicted stunt drivers would face mandatory minimum license suspensions: one year for a first conviction, three years for a second conviction, and a lifetime suspension, which can be reduced to ten years under specific criteria, for a third conviction.