Understanding Careless Driving Charges in Ontario: How a Paralegal Can Help

Keywords: Careless Driving Ontario, Careless Driving Paralegal, Highway Traffic Act, Careless Driving Fines, Fight Careless Driving Ticket
Careless driving is one of the most serious traffic offences under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Defined under Section 130 of the HTA, it involves driving a vehicle on a highway without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for others. If you’ve been charged with careless driving, the consequences can be severe—fines, demerit points, license suspension, and skyrocketing insurance premiums. Hiring an experienced paralegal can make all the difference in fighting your ticket and protecting your driving record.
What Constitutes Careless Driving?
Careless driving covers a range of behaviors, including:
  • Texting while driving
  • Running a red light
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Failing to yield to pedestrians
In cases of careless driving causing bodily harm or death (Section 130(3)), penalties escalate dramatically, with fines up to $50,000, up to two years in jail, and a possible five-year license suspension.
Case Law: R. v. Ariganello (2013)
In R. v. Ariganello (), the defendant was acquitted of careless driving after losing control of his vehicle due to an intense coughing fit. The court ruled that momentary, inadvertent errors do not necessarily constitute careless driving, emphasizing that the standard is not perfection but reasonable care. This case highlights the importance of context in careless driving charges and how a skilled paralegal can leverage case law to build a strong defense.

Why Hire a Paralegal?
A paralegal specializing in traffic tickets can:
  • Analyze the evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
  • Negotiate to reduce the charge to a lesser offence, such as “following too closely”
  • Represent you in court to fight for a dismissal
With six demerit points and fines ranging from $400 to $2,000 (or more in community safety zones), a careless driving conviction can haunt you for years. Don’t risk your license or wallet—contact our expert paralegal team for a free consultation today.
Charged with careless driving in Ontario? Our licensed paralegals have a proven track record of reducing or dismissing tickets. Call 833-222-6529 now to protect your driving record!

 

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Liberty is not an option; it is a human right.
Giannina Braschi, author of "United States of Banana" (2011)