Home > Help Centre > BlogNavigating Insurance with a Suspended Licence in Ontario
Aug 14, 2023
How to reinstate a suspended licence
Insurance is vital to our everyday lives, providing a safety net during unexpected events. However, when your driver's licence is suspended, navigating the world of auto insurance can become quite complicated.
The rules and regulations surrounding insurance and suspended licences are essential to understand. If your licence is suspended, you could see your premium double or need specialized protection. It’s also illegal to drive while it’s under suspension.
This blog post will investigate the key aspects of dealing with your coverage options while having a suspended licence in Ontario.
Click below to go to key points
Reasons why your licence got suspended
Length of licence suspensions in Ontario
Licence suspensions and their impact on insurance
How to get your licence reinstated
Suspended licence FAQs
Why is my licence suspended?
Violations of the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario or the Criminal Code of Canada can lead to the suspension of your licence. Driving is a privilege after all!
Understanding the rules around licence suspension is crucial – it will help you understand the steps needed to reinstate it. Failure to meet those criteria can lead to additional penalties and longer suspensions.
Some of the most common reasons for a licence suspension include:
- Unpaid fines: If you avoid paying fines, you can lose your licence. You’ll need to pay all fines back to get it back. If you have been approved for a payment plan, you can apply for reinstatement from MTO.
- Health conditions: Some conditions can affect your ability to drive. Some examples include Cognitive, motor/sensory impairment, visual impairment, substance abuse and sudden incapacitation.
- Demerits: If a driver accumulates too many demerit points, there is a risk of having your licence suspended, depending on the offence and number of points.
- Mandatory suspensions: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to suspensions and remedial programs or hearings before getting their licence reinstated.
- Admin suspensions: If you don’t renew your driver’s licence on time or avoid paying fines, you can face suspension.
- Court-ordered: If a driver is convicted of a driving related offence, such as distracted driving or leaving the scene of an accident, the court can order a suspension as part of the penalty.
How long does a licence suspension in Ontario last?
Licence suspension in Ontario can result from accumulating demerits, certain convictions, or unpaid fines. Suspension can be temporary or indefinite, depending on the severity of the offence. Understanding this is important before discussing insurance. Here are some examples of suspensions and their convictions:
- BAC: Young and novice drivers must have a blood alcohol level of zero. If convicted of impaired driving or driving high you could face a fine and a minimum 30-day licence suspension. If you have your full G, you can have suspensions for having a BAC over 0.05 to 0.08 (or more), or refusing a breath or blood sample.
- Dangerous driving: Some examples of dangerous driving include stunt driving, driving aggressively, or texting and driving. These types of suspensions can last from three days to upwards of 30 days and vehicle impoundment.
- Criminal Code Violations: You can receive a one year suspension the first time you are convicted of a Criminal Code offence. Subsequent offences can result in a lifetime ban from driving. Examples of this include causing death or bodily harm by criminal negligence, failing to stop for police, refusing a breath sample for roadside testing, dangerous driving, and impairment.
What are HTA suspensions?
As per the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), any individual who is convicted of a driving-related criminal offence will face serious repercussions. A first-time offence will result in a one-year licence suspension. If convicted again within 10 years, the licence will be suspended for three years.
A third conviction within the same ten-year period as the second offence will lead to a lifetime suspension, subject to reinstatement only after ten years and if certain requirements are met and specific circumstances exist. Fourth-time offenders will face a permanent driving ban with no chance of reinstatement.
It is important to understand the gravity of these consequences and always to prioritize safe and responsible driving.
How will a suspended licence impact insurance?
Having a suspended licence directly impacts your ability to operate a vehicle legally, but it also has implications for coverage. A suspended licence can increase your rates, can make you high risk, and you could have issues finding coverage. You can see your costs increase by at least 10% and as much as double. Always speak to your broker to learn more about your coverage's solutions and causes.
Medical suspensions can result in minor increases and may involve administrative reasons rather than impaired driving or unpaid fines. Doctors may also report diagnostic reasons to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
While your licence is suspended, you are not permitted to drive, and if you're caught driving during this period, you could face even more severe consequences. However, the car insurance related implications don't stop there.
Insurance tips if your licence is suspended
Looking for advice to help you understand how a suspension impacts your policy? Here are four tips to clarify the impact :
- Maintaining protection for your car: Keep your auto insurance even if your licence is suspended. Modify coverage to a non-operational status to avoid increased rates when reinstating later. Be prepared for when your suspension period is over.
- Higher risk options: Having your licence reinstated after a suspension may lead to expensive insurance rates. Search for quotes and consider high-risk driver specialists for more affordable coverage.
- Policy revaluation: If your licence is suspended, speak with your insurance provider about potential changes to your policy. They may adjust your rates, and coverage options, or even cancel your coverage altogether. Consider alternative options if necessary.
- Impact on premium costs: Having your licence suspended can lead to higher insurance premiums due to increased risk associated with your driving history. The length and reason for the suspension will impact the extent of the increase, which may persist for several years.
How to check if your licence is suspended
All drivers take responsibility for confirming their licence is valid before driving. Finding out if you have a suspension is as easy as visiting the MTO’s Driver’s Licence Check. You can confirm you do not have a suspended licence by providing your driver’s licence number and contact information.
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How do I get my licence reinstated?
Reinstating a suspended driver's licence in Ontario might seem intricate, yet comprehending the sequential steps involved can simplify the process. Below is a guide on how to go about reinstating a suspended licence in Ontario:
- Grasp the cause of your licence suspension: Understanding the reasons for your suspension is crucial before taking steps to reinstate your status. Reasons for suspension include unpaid fines, medical issues, family law matters, and MTO-mandated suspensions.
- Address the underlying suspension cause: The approach to resolving a suspension depends on the reason. Outstanding fines require payment or a payment plan, while medical issues need to be addressed with a primary care physician.
- Complete the suspension period: If the suspension duration stems from an MTO-imposed suspension period, you'll need to wait until this period concludes before becoming eligible for reinstatement. The length of suspension varies based on the grounds for suspension and can span from 30 days to several years.
- Gather essential documentation: After tackling the suspension reason, you'll need to provide the required documents. This might include evidence of fine payment, a certificate confirming your fitness to drive, or verification of adherence to family law responsibilities.
- Satisfy mandatory assessments: On occasions, the MTO might mandate additional assessments like written or road tests, which you must complete before your licence is reinstated.
- Settle reinstatement fee: Before the reinstatement of a suspended licence, a fee must be remitted to the MTO.
- Obtain the renewed licence: Once all prerequisites are fulfilled, the MTO will grant a new driver's licence, enabling you to lawfully operate a motor vehicle once again.
To make sure that you meet all of the specific requirements for reinstatement, it’s always best to contact the MTO to confirm why your licence is suspended and what steps you need to take to get it back and legally drive again.
Suspension reinstatement tips
If you have paid any outstanding fines, or taken any tests assigned to you, you can begin getting it reinstated. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Bring ID: Bring valid identification to a DriveTest or ServiceOntario.
- Fees: You will need to pay a $281 reinstatement fee. You may have additional fees or tests required for your licence and you’ll likely see an increase in your auto insurance in Ontario.
- Suspension length: Depending on how long the suspension is and the reason, your requirements may vary.
Here is a look at the suspension duration, additional tests that may be required, and action points to consider if you want to reinstate your licence.
Suspension Duration |
Additional Tests |
Action Points |
Less than one year |
N/A |
N/A |
1-3 years |
Eye Test |
N/A |
3-10 years |
Written exam, eye test, G1 test, and G2 road test. |
If you pass, tests can be done in succession. You can book your first road test as soon as you pass your knowledge and eye test. As soon as you pass your G1, you can book your road test. |
Over ten years |
You’ll need to re-apply as a new driver in Ontario’s Graduated Driving Licencing System from the beginning. |
You can’t fast-track the process of getting your licence – you will need to follow the time guidelines. |
If your suspension was caused by dangerous driving, you’ll need to:
- Complete and pass a driver improvement interview
- Successfully pass a driving re-examination
- Pay applicable fines and fees
Can I still drive with a suspended licence in Ontario?
No, if your licence is suspended you cannot drive. Similar to driving without insurance, if you are caught driving without one you can experience fines and even jail time for a minimum of six months. Traffic violations can result in licence suspension for a minimum of six months and fines ranging from $1000 to $5000 or more, depending on the offence.
Ontario suspended licence FAQs
Suspensions can impact your coverage – compare your options before you hit the road
If you have a suspended licence in Ontario, it's important to work closely with your insurance provider and keep your driver’s licence renewal up to date. Maintain coverage, look into high-risk options, and be ready for policy changes. Seek advice from professionals familiar with Ontario's regulations for tailored guidance.
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