TORONTO — Canada’s most populous province has stated that convicted auto thieves will have their driver’s licenses suspended for at least ten years.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria stated that anybody convicted three times of auto theft would have their license suspended for life.
Penalties will escalate for second and third convictions.
Sarkaria stated that a car is stolen every 14 minutes in Ontario, with a population of approximately 15.6 million. Car thefts in the province have increased considerably recently, particularly in Toronto, Canada’s largest metropolis, frustrating many citizens.
According to authorities, thieves target relatively new vehicles, such as high-end pickup trucks and SUVs, and then export them to markets in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
“Driving is considered a privilege, not a right. “If you are shameful enough to use other community members for your irresponsible benefit, you will lose that privilege,” he stated.
Sarkaria stated that the province also introduces stricter punishments, including a one-year license suspension for individuals guilty of stunt driving.
