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The temptation can be strong. Your license is suspended, but you need to get to work or run an urgent errand. But can you get arrested for driving with a suspended license if you’re careful? Well, the consequences are far more severe than a simple traffic ticket. In Canada, this is an offense that authorities take very seriously.
If a police officer pulls you over and finds you are driving with a suspended license, they have the authority to arrest you on the spot.
This isn’t just a minor traffic violation. It will depend on why your license was suspended in the first place (like for impaired driving). But it can even be a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of Canada.
The penalties for this offense are designed to be tough. They vary slightly by province, but they are all serious and intended to keep suspended drivers off the road.
Immediate Penalties: Arrest and Vehicle Impoundment
Right away, you could be arrested and taken into custody. On top of that, the police will likely have your vehicle impounded. This means it will be towed and stored at a lot for a period of 7 to 30 days, and you will have to pay all the fees to get it back.
Fines and Mandatory Court Appearances
You can also expect a very large fine. For a first-time offense, fines often start around $1,000 and can go as high as $5,000 in some provinces. You will also have to appear in court.
What About a 2nd Offense?
If you get caught a second time, everything gets much worse. The chances of going to jail for a suspended license, 2nd offense, go up significantly.
Fines will be much higher, your license will be suspended for even longer, and many provinces have mandatory jail sentences for repeat offenders. This is not a small driving mistake; it’s a serious pattern of breaking the law.
If you find yourself in this situation, making the right choices is critical. This is the best approach to the question of how to get a suspended license dismissed or handled properly. Having good road knowledge includes understanding the seriousness of these rules.
The most important step is the simplest one: do not get behind the wheel. The risk is never worth the potential consequences. Arrange a ride, use public transit, or find another way to get where you need to go.
Contact your provincial ministry of transportation to find out exactly why your license was suspended. Was it for unpaid fines, too many demerit points, or something else? Once you know the reason, you can learn what steps you must take to get it reinstated.
It is always a good idea to speak with a lawyer or a paralegal who specializes in traffic law. For new drivers, facing this kind of charge can be scary. A professional can guide you through the process and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
A license suspension is not a random punishment. It is issued to protect the public from drivers who have been deemed unsafe or irresponsible. When you drive while suspended, you are showing a clear disregard for the law and the safety of others on the road.
This is why the penalties are so strict. While specific rules may vary, like those for getting a Saskatoon license compared to Ontario's, the core principle is the same nationwide.
Can you get arrested for driving with a suspended license? It’s a clear and resounding yes. The penalties are severe, including fines, jail time, and having your vehicle taken away.
The smartest and safest choice is to respect the suspension and work through the proper legal channels to get your license back.
Following the rules of the road starts from day one. If you're just beginning your journey, a professional driving school can help you build the right habits from the start.