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.