Ontario is introducing new rules and regulations for motorists in 2025, including changes to the collision reporting threshold, stricter penalties for impaired driving, and switchovers to the new DriveON program.
Announced on December 31st, 2024, the government of Ontario is amending the Highway Traffic Act to increase the threshold to report a collision to the police to $5,000 in damages. Previously, motorists involved in an accident had to report their collision to either the police or a collision reporting centre if damages exceeded $2,000. Effective January 1st, this change aims to reduce the administrative burden on drivers as well as account for the rising cost of vehicle repairs.
Nevertheless, motorists in Ontario must still notify the police or a collision reporting centre if the accident results in injury or is particularly severe. Drivers are also encouraged to report their accidents if they are unsure about the overall cost of damages. The new rules are expected to make minor collisions more straightforward while also ensuring that the proper procedures are followed for more serious accidents.
Ontario is also getting tougher on impaired drivers in 2025. Beginning in January, anyone convicted of impaired driving–even on their first offence–must install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device is a breathalyzer that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath. Convicted drivers will also have to attend mandatory education sessions and undergo treatment for alcohol- and drug-related offences. If impaired driving results in death, convicted drivers will now have their licences permanently revoked.
For context, impaired driving incidents rose to more than 11,000 cases in 2023, an almost 10 per cent increase from 2022. As well, alcohol- and drug-related collisions led to nearly 70 fatalities in 2023, which is part of a rising trend across the province.
Distracted driving deaths are also on the rise in Ontario
The last change facing drivers in Ontario this year applies to owners of motor vehicle inspection stations. Owners now have until March 31st, 2025 to switch to the new DriveON program, a digital platform for Ontario’s vehicle safety and emissions inspection program. Previously, owners had until December 31st, 2024 to change from the old paper-based program to the new digital platform, but the Ontario government has extended the deadline by three months. Once the old program ends, motor vehicle inspection station operators will not be able to conduct safety and emissions tests if they are not enrolled in the new DriveON program.
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