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Fake vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and illegal car gatherings are targeted in Ontario’s proposed legislation announced Friday in Mississauga.

The legislation, if passed, would create a new provincial offense under the Traffic Laws for fraudulent vehicle registrations.

“These cases often involve someone stealing the VIN of a legitimate vehicle and passing it off as a stolen vehicle,” Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, said at the news conference in Mississauga. “It is these types of activities that, while seemingly almost victimless, are causing carjackings, nighttime robberies and chaos in communities across the province. »

Those who knowingly provide a false VIN People who apply for a vehicle license can face fines of up to $100,000 upon conviction, imprisonment of up to six months, and a one-year license suspension. driving or vehicle license, Sarkaria said.

In September, more than 200 charges laid in car theft investigation which required the assistance of Service Ontario staff members. In response to Friday’s announcement that Toronto police reported Service Ontario employees knowingly registered false VINs on stolen vehicles, Sarkaria said more work is being done behind the scenes.

“We have also introduced many internal measures through Service Ontario, which will strengthen, identify and help the Ministry of Public and Business Services, as well as the Ministry of Transportation, to identify what is happening and detect it at the moment. ‘advance,’ he said.

Vehicle theft is down 16 per cent in Ontario since the start of the year, but there is still more to do, Sarkaria said.

“Make no mistake, this crime has a real impact on its victims,” said Graham McGregor, associate minister for car theft and bail reform. “We are tired of seeing these stolen vehicles used to finance organized crime and all the consequences that result in our communities. »

The bill would also extend reckless driving laws to parking lots, such as shopping malls, and extend the period during which charges can be filed from six months to two years.

“These changes will help local police respond to and prevent unauthorized events such as car rallies and street racing while allowing more time to investigate, collect evidence and hold these reckless drivers accountable,” said Sarkaria.

Car rallies are a big concern in Mississauga and Brampton. This week alone, more than 350 charges have been laid Rally at the Brampton Mall. In September, 530 charges were deposited in a square in Mississauga.

The legislation would also increase oversight of the trucking industry. The Department of Transportation would be able to intervene sooner with additional compliance tools and approaches for commercial operators who engage in risky driving behavior.

For more information, see the announcement here.

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