What Should You Do If You Get Pulled Over in Ontario?
Pull over to the right safely, turn off your engine, roll down your window, and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel. Have your licence, registration, and insurance ready. Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, you must identify yourself to the officer.
Key Facts
- Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel until the officer approaches
- Roll down your window before the officer reaches your car
- Turn on your interior light if it is dark outside
- Do not reach for your documents until the officer asks for them
- Be polite and cooperative. You can ask why you were pulled over
In this article
What Should You Do When You See Police Lights Behind You?
According to the Ontario Driver's Handbook, when you see flashing lights or hear a siren from a police vehicle behind you, you must pull over to the right side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Signal right, slow down gradually, and find a safe spot to stop. If you are on a highway, move to the right shoulder. In an urban area, pull over to the curb. Do not stop in an intersection or in a dangerous location. Once stopped, turn off your engine.
How Should You Behave During the Stop?
Staying calm and following a few simple steps will make the traffic stop go smoothly:
- Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel until the officer approaches
- Roll down your window before the officer reaches your car
- Turn on your interior light if it is dark outside
- Do not reach for your documents until the officer asks for them
- Be polite and cooperative. You can ask why you were pulled over
- Avoid sudden movements or reaching under the seat or into the glove box without telling the officer first
What Documents Do You Need to Provide?
Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, you are legally required to identify yourself to a police officer during a traffic stop. You must produce your driver's licence, vehicle registration (ownership), and proof of insurance when asked. Failing to provide these documents is a separate offence. Keep your registration and insurance in an accessible location, such as your glove compartment or visor, so you can retrieve them quickly.
Why Might You Be Pulled Over?
In Ontario, police can pull you over for any traffic offence, including speeding, distracted driving, or equipment violations. They can also stop you at a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checkpoint, which is a random sobriety check that is legal under Ontario law. You do not need to have done anything wrong to be stopped at a RIDE checkpoint. Refusing to stop for a police officer is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and can result in serious charges.
What Happens If You Refuse to Stop?
Refusing to stop for a police officer is extremely serious. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, fleeing from police is a criminal offence that can result in arrest, criminal charges, licence suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Even if you believe the stop is unjustified, the correct course of action is to stop, comply with the officer's instructions, and address any concerns through the legal system afterward. Never attempt to evade a traffic stop.
Related Questions
What Is Distracted Driving in Ontario?
Distracted driving in Ontario includes using a hand-held mobile device, texting, eating, grooming, reading, or programming a hand-held GPS while driving. Ontario has some of the strictest distracted driving laws in Canada. First-time offenders face a fine of up to $1,000, 3 demerit points, and a 3-day licence suspension.
Read answerHow Do Demerit Points Work in Ontario?
Ontario demerit points are added to your licence when you are convicted of certain driving offences. G1 and G2 drivers face stricter consequences: 9 demerit points triggers a licence suspension for novice drivers, compared to 15 for fully licensed drivers. Points are removed 2 years after the offence date.
Read answerWhat Happens If You Drive Without Insurance in Ontario?
Driving without insurance in Ontario is one of the most serious driving offences. Under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, a first offence carries a fine of $5,000 to $25,000, a licence suspension of up to one year, and vehicle impoundment. A second offence doubles the maximum fine to $50,000.
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