The Timmins Police Service continues proactive traffic enforcement across the community. Between February 19 and March 5, 2026, several incidents resulted in charges under the Highway Traffic Act, the Criminal Code, and other provincial legislation.
These incidents highlight the importance of safe driving, maintaining roadworthy vehicles, and complying with licence and insurance requirements.
Unsafe Vehicle – February 19, 2026
On February 19, 2026, during the afternoon hours, officers observed a pickup truck operating in the area of Cedar Street North and Fifth Avenue that appeared to be in an unsafe condition.
Upon inspection, officers identified several deficiencies with the vehicle. Based on the totality of the deficiencies observed, the vehicle was deemed unsafe to operate.
The driver was issued a summons for Operate Unsafe Vehicle.
Distracted Driving – February 24, 2026
On February 24, 2026, during the morning hours, an officer observed a driver using a handheld cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.
The driver was issued a summons under HTA 78.1(1) – Drive – Hand Held Communication Device.
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of collisions in Ontario and contributes to one in seven roadway fatalities annually. Even a brief glance at a phone can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to miss critical hazards. Drivers are reminded to put their phone away or use hands-free features before beginning their trip.
Suspended Driver and No Insurance – March 2, 2026
On March 2, 2026, during the morning hours, an Automatic Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) alerted officers to a vehicle associated with a registered owner with a suspended driver’s licence.
A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was confirmed to be driving under suspension. The driver was also unable to provide documentation for insurance or vehicle ownership.
The driver was issued summonses for:
- CAIA 2(1)(a) – Owner Operate Motor Vehicle Without Insurance
- HTA 53(1) – Driving While Under Suspension
Stunt Driving – March 5, 2026
On March 5, 2026, during the morning hours, a driver was observed travelling westbound on Highway 101 East near Rae Hill at a high rate of speed while passing other vehicles.
A traffic constable recorded the vehicle travelling 147 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was issued a summons for HTA 172(1) – Perform Stunt – Excessive Speed. The driver’s licence was suspended for 30 days and their vehicle impounded for 14 days.
Suspended Driver and Prohibited Weapon – March 5, 2026
On March 5, 2026, during the morning hours, a traffic constable received another ALPR alert for a suspended driver.
When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle turned abruptly and the driver was observed moving from the driver’s seat into the back seat of the vehicle.
The driver was arrested for driving while under suspension. During a search incident to arrest, officers located a set of brass knuckles in the driver’s side door, which are classified as a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code of Canada.
The driver was charged with:
- CC 92(2) – Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
and issued a summons for:
- HTA 53(1) – Driving While Under Suspension
Drug-Impaired Driving – March 5, 2026
On March 5, 2026, during the morning hours, police received a report of a suspicious vehicle. Officers located the vehicle parked and running.
The driver was read a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) demand and agreed to perform the test. Based on the totality of observations during the evaluation, officers formed reasonable grounds to believe the driver was impaired and the driver was placed under arrest.
A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluation was conducted and determined the driver was impaired by drugs.
The driver received a 90-day licence suspension and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.
The driver was charged with:
- CC 320.14(1)(a) – Operation While Impaired (Alcohol and Drugs)
- CC 320.14(1)(c) – Operation While Impaired – Blood Drug Concentration
and issued a ticket for:
- CCA 2017 12(1) – Care or Control of a Vehicle with Cannabis in Open Original Packaging
Strengthened Impaired Driving Penalties
As of January 1, 2026, Ontario has strengthened impaired driving penalties under the Highway Traffic Act to improve road safety. These changes include:
- Longer immediate licence suspensions
- Expanded look-back periods for repeat offenders
- Mandatory education or treatment programs
- Increased consequences for serious or repeat impaired driving incidents
Serious offences, particularly those causing death, may result in lifetime licence suspensions and significant insurance impacts. Zero-tolerance rules remain in place for young and novice drivers.
Road Safety Reminders
Police are reminding drivers that safe behaviour behind the wheel helps prevent collisions and save lives.
- Drivers with a dangerous driving conviction within the past five years are approximately 3.5 times more likely to cause a serious collision than those with a clean record.
- Large trucks are involved in one in five Ontario roadway fatalities each year, making safe and predictable driving around commercial vehicles critical.
- Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading contributors to collisions and fatalities across the province.
The Timmins Police Service encourages all motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and never drive impaired.
