Andrew's Law: What Changes for Careless Driving in Ontario
Ontario has passed higher careless driving fines and new roadside licence suspensions. They start on a date the province has not announced yet. Here is what changes, what stays the same, and what to do if you are charged.
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CASES RESOLVED
Passed in June 2026
What Andrew's Law Changes for Careless Driving
Sources: Bill 75, Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the Ontario government backgrounder.
Higher fines on conviction
The fine range for careless driving rises to $1,000 to $5,000, up from $400 to $2,000. The fine is set by the court after a conviction, not at the roadside.
A 7-day roadside licence suspension
If a police officer reasonably believes a driver has driven carelessly, the officer must ask for the driver's licence. The licence is then suspended for seven days. This happens at the roadside, before any court decision.
A 30-day suspension when someone is hurt or killed
For careless driving that causes bodily harm or death, the roadside suspension is 30 days. That charge already carries fines of up to $50,000, up to two years in jail and a licence suspension of up to five years.
When the changes start
The changes are in Schedule 5 of the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2026 (Bill 75). It received Royal Assent in June 2026, but Schedule 5 starts on a day the provincial cabinet will name. When we checked on November 1, 2026, no date had been named. Until then, the current penalties apply.
What stays the same
The Charge Itself Works the Same Way
Still a Highway Traffic Act charge
Careless driving stays a provincial offence under section 130 of the Highway Traffic Act. It is not a criminal charge. Dangerous driving is the criminal offence.
Still 6 demerit points
A careless driving conviction still adds 6 demerit points. G1, G2, M1 and M2 drivers face a 30-day novice suspension after a first conviction worth 4 or more points.
Still your right to a trial
A roadside suspension is separate from the charge itself. The charge is decided in Provincial Offences court, and you can still dispute it.
Demerit point rules: Ontario: understanding demerit points.
If you are charged
What to Do After a Careless Driving Charge
- Check whether you have a ticket or a summons. A ticket gives you 15 days to choose an option. A summons gives you a court date.
- Write down what happened while you remember it: the road, weather, traffic and what the officer said.
- Do not pay or plead guilty online until you understand the fine, the 6 demerit points and what a conviction can mean for your insurance.
- Send us your ticket or summons. ParaCan's team works with lawyers and licensed paralegals, and we quote your fee before you retain us.
More detail: our careless driving FAQ, how we defend careless driving charges and the Ontario ticket first-steps checklist.
General Information Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about Ontario traffic law, not legal advice for your individual situation. Laws, start dates and court procedures can change. Follow your own ticket, summons and current court instructions. Reading this guide or submitting an inquiry does not create a paralegal-client relationship, file a court response or extend a deadline. ParaCan will not act unless representation is confirmed in writing.
Information checked November 1, 2026. Prepared by ParaCan Legal Services Professional Corporation.
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