A man in Montreal has been given a speeding ticket and fines of $2,598 after he was clocked on radar at over 200km/hr. He is also being given 42 demerit points against his license. This is one of the most notable cases of excessive speed in Canadian history, but the insurance company in Quebec has not yet confirmed if this is the fastest. Given that Quebec Drivers’ Licenses are suspended at 15 demerit points, this gentleman should expect a driving prohibition between 3 and 12 months, depending on his driving record.
The circumstances are not dissimilar in British Columbia. While the law is currently that excessive speeding or driving with greater than 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100mL of blood will warrant an immediate suspension from driving, there is no automatic prohibition arising from the number of Driver Penalty Points a person accumulates. Rather, the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles is afforded discretion to review an individual’s driving record and determine whether a prohibition is in the public interest. These reviews are typically triggered by convictions for Motor Vehicle Act offences. The more substantial your driving record, the more likely it becomes that you may be prohibited.
If you receive a Notice of Intent to prohibit you from driving, it is important that you act fast. It is also important to hire a lawyer. A lawyer is able to make submissions to the Superintendent on your behalf. I have dealt with many of these cases, and find that I am relatively successful in having prohibitions reduced or eliminated.
If you’re received at Notice of Intent to prohibit, please contact my office right away. We take calls 24/7. 604-685-8889.