Ontario is preparing to introduce tougher penalties for commercial vehicle offences — including distracted driving and speed limiter violations — as part of a wider road safety bill, while a national carrier group warns a separate federal tax-compliance push could strain an already fragile supply chain.
Ontario set to toughen commercial vehicle penalties
The Ontario government says it will bring forward sweeping changes to dangerous driving laws in a bill to be introduced on November 25, 2025. The package is intended to keep high-risk drivers off the road and strengthen penalties for serious offences affecting commercial vehicles.
Proposed measures would raise penalties for offences such as distracted driving and speed limiter non-compliance. Ontario has long required speed limiters on most heavy trucks; enforcement provisions would be tightened under the new legislation, according to the government’s outline.
Bill dedicated to crash victim
Officials say the bill honours the memory of Andrew Cristillo, a 35-year-old father of three who was killed in August in an alleged dangerous driving crash. The government framed the legislation as a response to persistent high-risk behaviours on provincial highways and an effort to enhance deterrence.
Industry group warns of supply chain impacts from federal tax plan
The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA) cautions that a federal plan to crack down on tax non-compliance in the trucking sector could backfire. The group says additional compliance measures, if not implemented carefully, risk exacerbating operational pressures and could worsen supply chain fragility.
CTOA’s warning underscores concerns from carriers and owner-operators about added administrative burdens and potential disruptions at a time of tight margins and ongoing market volatility.
What’s next
The Ontario bill is expected to be tabled as part of a broader legislative package. Details on specific fine amounts, enforcement timelines, and implementation steps were not immediately available. At the federal level, further clarification on the scope and timing of tax-compliance actions is pending.