Police remind drivers to have their pink slips handy
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is seeing an increase in the number of people showing up at its Collision Reporting Centre without valid insurance documents. In some cases, motorists were found to be driving without coverage altogether, and police say this has resulted in charges and loss of driving privileges.
Under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, motorists caught driving without valid documents – or without coverage – can face hefty fines.
Ray Magnan, a traffic sergeant with police in the Sault told CTV News that drivers who come to the station to report a collision and cannot produce proof of insurance will also need a ride home.
“When they get here, if they don’t have insurance in that vehicle, they would have to have the vehicle towed from here because they can’t operate the vehicle on a highway without liability insurance,” said Magnan.
Anne Marie Thomas with the Insurance Bureau of Canada said driving without insurance is not only risky – it can be very expensive.
“If you have a conviction for driving without insurance on your record, you’re looking at significant insurance increases for the next three to six years,” she said.
“We could be talking double, or who knows, maybe even triple what the current rate would be.”
Motorists are allowed to show a digital copy of their pink slips when asked by a police officer, but Sergeant Magnan said it’s a good idea to keep a hard copy as well.
“I’d recommend having a paper copy, only because these devices, as we know, batteries go dead, they may not be charged and you may not be able to show the officer,” said Magnan, who also points out having your permit and license is also required while driving.
A person caught driving without insurance can expect a minimum fine of $5,000. Sault Police say even if a person has insurance coverage, they can still be fined if they are unable to provide proof when asked.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.