Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration: Charges Against Truckers, Contractors, Movers, Deliveries, Among Others

Question: How can commercial vehicle operators in Ontario defend against CVOR charges under the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8?

Answer: Defending CVOR charges requires a detailed understanding of vehicle conditions, compliance with load and cargo securing regulations, and accurate record-keeping. Legal representation can offer guidance through the nuances of the Highway Traffic Act and court procedures under the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33. For dedicated legal support across Ontario, contact C.O.P.S. Legal Services for a free ¼ hour consultation to help safeguard your operations.

Defending Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration (CVOR) Charges

Corporations or individuals, as operators or owners, whose business involves the use of commercial trucks weighing in excess of 4,500 kilograms must complete the registration process known as a Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR). As an owner or an operator with a CVOR, in addition to charges that may be brought against a driver, these owners or operators may be separately charged for any infringements of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, as well as other laws regulating use of the road network.

Common Issues

Common CVOR-related issues involve the state of the vehicle, overloading, poorly secured cargo, deficiencies in logbooks, improper or expired licenses, and other infractions. The charges associated with CVOR can be filed by a police officer or an Ontario Ministry of Transportation ("MTO") officer. These charges are then processed in the Ontario Court of Justice following the prescribed procedures as outlined in the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, including its associated regulations.

Inspection Authority

Within the framework of the Highway Traffic Act, specifically under section 82.1, there are mandates governing the inspection of commercial vehicles. The mandates aim to ensure the safety and roadworthiness of commercial vehicles, protecting both the operators and the public. It is imperative for commercial vehicle operators and the vehicle drivers to comply with the inspection mandates that help to ensure the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles and thereby contribute to road safety.