The Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario are backing new legislation introduced by their provincial government that focuses on Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) fraud, which involves stealing a VIN from a legitimate car and using it to register a stolen one.
Bill 223, the Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act, 2024, was introduced in the Ontario Legislature by Solicitor General Michael Kerzner on November 18. Passage of this legislation would mean the creation of a new provincial offence with strong fines and jail time for anyone knowingly providing a false VIN for a vehicle transaction.
“Ontario’s new car and truck retailers know all too well how VIN fraud causes grief and financial loss for customers and their businesses,” said Frank Notte, Director of Government Relations for MVRO, in a statement.
The penalties noted in the legislation include any combination of the following: a fine ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 for a first infraction, or $75,000 to $100,000 for any infraction that follows; jail time for up to 6 months; and the suspension of a driver’s licence or vehicle permit for up to one year.
“We thank the Ontario Government for keeping up the fight against auto theft by creating a new and specific provincial offence targeting VIN thieves with hefty fines and jail time,” said Notte, adding that “full credit to Ministers Kerzner, Sarkaria, McGregor, and McCarthy for dedicating their time, energy and Ministerial resources to combat auto theft.”
