- How do you find out if your driver’s license is valid?
- There is a website run by the Ontario government where you can check your license status.
- But the website does not mention one of the most important things you should do to avoid future legal troubles.
- I’m going to cover what that is at the end of this article.
1/ You may not be able to drive even after your DUI suspension period
- After you were arrested for your DUI, you were placed on an immediate license suspension.
- At the end of that period, you may think that you can drive, however that may not be the case.
- And that’s because you may have other issues that are suspending your driver’s license.
- For example, you may have unpaid fines that are keeping your driver’s license suspended.
- Or, there may be some other reason suspending your license such as family law issues or medical issues.
- And if that’s the case, your license will still be suspended even after the DUI driving suspension period.
- Bottom line, you should check if your license is valid before you drive.
2/ Here’s where you can check if your license is valid
- The Ontario government created a website called “Driver’s Licence Check,” where you can check your Ontario Driver’s License status.
- Here’s the website: https://www.dlc.rus.mto.gov.on.ca/dlc/
- You only need to have your driver’s license number to check your driving status.
3/ Here are the results that you need to drive
- You can only drive if you get a “valid” result which is a green checkmark.
- There are 3 possible valid outcomes.
- First is a simple “valid.” That means you can drive the vehicle for which you are licenced.
- Second, is “valid with ignition interlock.” That means you can only operate your vehicle with an approved ignition interlock device.
- Third, is “valid with ‘w’ code.” That means you cannot operate a commercial vehicle in the United States due to a medical condition.
4/ Do not drive in these cases
- If you get a “Not Valid” result, that means your license is suspended, cancelled and or expired. Bottom line, you cannot drive.
- Finally, if you get a “Not Found”, that means the license number you entered is not recognized.
- In this case, to be safe, you should not drive.
- What you should do is contact Service Ontario to clarify whether your driver’s license is valid.
- And if it is not valid, what you need to do to get it valid again.
5/ It’s critical that you do THIS before you drive
- Hopefully, you get a valid result and that you can drive.
- If you get a valid result that shows you can drive, it is CRITICAL that you print out a copy of the result for your records.
- Here’s why that’s important.
- Mistakes happen. In fact, they happen all the time.
- If you get stopped by the Police because of driving under suspension, that printout will defend the suspension charge.
- And that defence may save you from serious legal trouble.
What happens when you get a DUI license suspension in Ontario?
When you get a DUI license suspension in Ontario, your driver's license will be suspended for a period of time determined by the court. During this time, you will be unable to drive and may have to rely on alternative forms of transportation. The length of the suspension will depend on the circumstances of the case, including the severity of the offence and the defendant's driving record.
How can you check if your license has been suspended due to a DUI in Ontario?
You can check if your license has been suspended due to a DUI in Ontario by visiting the Ministry of Transportation website or by contacting the Ministry directly. You can also check your driving record at a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office. It is important to know the status of your license and to take steps to reinstate it as soon as possible if it has been suspended.
