November 21, 2024
The Ontario Government is escalating its fight against auto theft by introducing new legislation aimed at Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) fraud. Bill 223, the Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act, was introduced in the Ontario Legislature on November 18 by Michael Kerzner, Ontario’s Solicitor General.
If passed, the legislation would create a new provincial offence establishing strong fines and jail time for bad actors knowingly providing a false VIN for a vehicle transaction.
The penalties include any combination of the following:
- A fine ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 for a first infraction, or $75,000 to $100,000 for any subsequent infraction.
- Imprisonment for up to 6 months.
- A driver’s licence or vehicle permit suspension for up to one year.
“Ontario’s new car and truck retailers know all too well how VIN fraud causes grief and financial loss for customers and their businesses,” said Frank Notte, Director of Government Relations for MVRO. “We thank the Ontario Government for keeping up the fight against auto theft by creating a new and specific provincial offence targeting VIN thieves with hefty fines and jail time.”
Bill 223 is the result of hard work and collaboration across several government Ministries. Over the past few months, the MVRO has worked with the following Ministers: Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General; Prabmeet Sarkaria, Transportation Minister; Graham McGregor, Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform and Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.
“Full credit to Ministers Kerzner, Sarkaria, McGregor, and McCarthy for dedicating their time, energy and Ministerial resources to combat auto theft. Their efforts to increase penalties for criminals is key to making our communities safer,” said Notte.
VIN fraud commonly involves someone stealing a VIN from a legitimate car and using it to register a stolen one.
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