Dangerous Driving
Dangerous driving is a serious Criminal Code offence involving operation of a vehicle in a manner that endangers the public. It carries mandatory licence prohibitions, potential imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record.
Overview
What is Dangerous Driving?
Dangerous driving under Section 320.13 of the Criminal Code is committed when a person operates a conveyance in a manner that, having regard to all the circumstances, is dangerous to the public. This is a higher threshold than careless driving under the HTA — the Crown must prove a 'marked departure' from the standard of care that a reasonable person would have observed in the same situation.
Penalties
What you're facing
- 1Criminal record — affects employment background checks, immigration, and professional licences
- 2Mandatory licence prohibition: minimum 1 year (first offence), 2 years (second+)
- 3Up to 10 years imprisonment on indictment
- 4If bodily harm is caused: up to 14 years; if death is caused: up to life imprisonment
- 5Automatic vehicle impoundment and potential forfeiture
- 6Severe insurance consequences — potential policy cancellation and uninsurability
Our Defence
How we defend you
Dangerous driving cases require expert analysis of the driving conduct, road conditions, vehicle state, and surrounding circumstances. We retain accident reconstruction experts where needed, challenge the Crown's characterization of the driving as a 'marked departure,' and examine Charter issues. In many cases, we successfully negotiate reductions to careless driving (a non-criminal HTA offence) or secure discharges.
- We appear in court for you
- Full disclosure review
- Charter rights analysis
- Crown prosecutor negotiations
- Flat-fee, no surprises
- Free initial consultation
Don't talk to police without legal advice
You have a Charter right to remain silent and a right to counsel. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Contact us immediately for a free, confidential case assessment before making any statements.
Common questions
Dangerous Driving FAQs
Straight answers about traffic tickets, court process, and how we work.
Got a ticket? Don't just pay it.
Paying results in a permanent record, demerit points, and insurance rate hikes. Speak to us first — the consultation is 100% free and there's no obligation.