Illegal car rallies and VIN theft targeted in Ontario legislation announced in Mississauga

Fake vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and illegal car rallies are targeted in proposed Ontario legislation announced in Mississauga Friday.

The legislation, if passed, would create a new provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act for fraudulent vehicle registrations.

“These cases often involve a person stealing the VIN from a legitimate vehicle and passing it off on a stolen vehicle,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, at the press conference in Mississauga. “It’s these types of activities that, despite seeming like almost victimless crimes are driving carjackings, late night robberies and chaos in communities throughout the province.”

Those who knowingly provide a false VIN when applying for a vehicle permit could face fines of up to $100,000 for convictions, the possibility of up to six months in jail and up to one-year driver’s licence or vehicle permit suspension, Sarkaria said.

In September, more than 200 charges were laid in an auto theft investigation that involved the assistance of Service Ontario staff members. In response to news Friday that the Toronto Police report that Service Ontario employees knowingly registered fake VINs on stolen vehicles, Sarkaria said there is more work being done behind the scenes.

“We have also introduced many internal measures through Service Ontario, which will strengthen and identify and help the Ministry of Public and Business Delivery, as well as the Ministry of Transportation, identify what is happening, to catch that in advance,” he said.

Vehicle theft has decreased in Ontario by 16 per cent so far this year but there is still more to do, said Sarkaria.

“Make no mistake, this crime makes a real impact on its victims,” said Graham McGregor, associate minister of auto theft and bail reform. “We’re tired of seeing these stolen vehicles used to fund organized crime and all the consequences that come with it in our communities.”

The proposed legislation would also expand careless driving laws to parking lots, such as malls, and extend the time that charges can be laid from six months to two years.

“These changes will help local police respond to and prevent unsanctioned events such as car rallies and street racing while allowing more time to investigate, collect evidence and hold these careless drivers accountable,” Sarkaria said.

Car rallies have been a big concern in Mississauga and Brampton. Just this week, over 350 charges were laid at a Brampton mall rally. In September, 530 charges were laid at a Mississauga plaza.

The legislation would also increase oversight of the trucking industry. The Ministry of Transportation would be able to intervene earlier with additional compliance tools and approaches for commercial operators who engage in risky behaviour while driving.

For more information, see the announcement here.