Pursuant to section 320.13 of the Criminal Code, dangerous operation occurs where an individual operates a conveyance (a car, motorcycle, boat etc.) in a manner that, having regard to all the circumstances, is dangerous to the public. It does not matter if the driver did not cause an accident—it is an offence to drive in a dangerous manner regardless of the outcome. The Code creates separate offences where the Dangerous Operation causes death or bodily harm to another individual.
In all cases, the consequences of a Dangerous Operation conviction may be serious, but particularly where the driving results in death or bodily harm to another person. In addition to the potential fines and periods of imprisonment, Criminal Code driving prohibitions often flow from convictions for Dangerous Operation. Individuals subject to a driving prohibition cannot drive a motor vehicle on any road, highway, or other public space. The prohibition applies across Canada and includes vehicles that do not require a driver’s licence to operate, such as a forklift, or e-scooter. These prohibitions are discretionary, however, once imposed, a judge cannot make any exceptions to the order, even where an individual’s employment requires the person to drive. As a result, driving prohibitions can profoundly disrupt an individual’s life.
A conviction for Dangerous Operation also results in an automatic suspension of the driver’s licence for a period of at least one year. The period of suspension increases with subsequent convictions. Individuals convicted of dangerous operation must also complete a driver improvement interview and a driving exam and pay any outstanding fines and a re-instatement fee before their licence can be reinstated.
The Highway Traffic Act is Ontario’s provincial driving legislation. If you are convicted of an HTA offence you will not receive an entry on your criminal record, however there are still serious consequences that can attach to an HTA conviction such as:
Under the Criminal Code, dangerous operation occurs where an individual operates a conveyance (a car, motorcycle, boat etc.) in a manner that, having regard to all the circumstances, is dangerous to the public. It does not matter if the driver did not cause an accident—it is an offence to drive in a dangerous manner regardless of the outcome, although the penalties are more serious if the dangerous operation resulted in death or bodily harm.
Yes. You can be convicted of dangerous operation for falling asleep at the wheel if:
There are mandatory minimum penalties for dangerous operation, whether the Crown proceeds summarily or by indictment. In both cases, drivers are liable to a minimum punishment of:
For summary convictions, drivers are liable to a maximum $5000 fine and/or two years less a day in custody.
For indictable offences, drivers are liable to a maximum of 10 years in custody.
In cases where the dangerous operation resulted in bodily harm, the maximum term of imprisonment increases to 14 years, and where the dangerous operation results in death, the maximum term increases to life imprisonment.
Careless Operation is the Highway Traffic Act charge that captures dangerous driving behaviour. Careless occurs where an individual drives a vehicle or street car on a highway without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway.
If you are convicted of Careless Operation under the HTA you are liable to:
A conviction for Careless Operation will also attach six demerit points to your licence. The penalties are increased where the Careless Operation results in death or bodily harm.
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