What to Expect When Stopped Traffic Stops Person Stops Police At Your Home If You Are Arrested Duties of Police Officers

It is the policy of the Toronto Police Service that its members shall not discriminate, or attempt to persuade others to discriminate, against any person because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, record of offences, age, marital status, family status, handicap or political or religious affiliation.

This Web page is designed to provide information about the rights and responsibilities of both community members and the police. It will also provide some information as to why police make stops and what you can expect if you are stopped by police.

This document is not written to provide legal advice. If you have specific legal questions, you should refer to the appropriate legislation and/or seek counsel.

Police Officers may stop people who are driving when they observe an offence against the Criminal Code of Canada, provincial Highway Traffic Act, municipal by-laws or any other laws, or if the person or vehicle matches the description of someone in an investigation. Officers may stop people who are driving to ensure compliance with traffic laws and safety standards such as sobriety, possessing a valid driver’s licence and insurance, and the mechanical fitness of the vehicle.

Officers may stop pedestrians on the street if they observe an offence, if they are investigating a complaint, or if they believe the person has committed or is about to commit a crime. These interactions usually involve the officer asking for your name, address and identification, and other questions that are appropriate to their investigation.

Officers also routinely walk in their patrol areas and speak to people on the street. These contacts are not considered stops, and the goal is for the officers and the community to become more familiar with one another.

Each situation is unique and the police officer will alter his or her approach to fit the circumstances. At all times, police officers must work within the Code of Conduct under the regulations of the Police Services Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Rules and Procedures of the Toronto Police Service, and other legislation.

• will provide his or her name and badge number upon request.
• who is not in uniform will present proper identification; you may ask to examine the badge and photo identification so that you are satisfied the person is a police officer.
• will tell you why you are being stopped.
• will only use the force allowed by law (for example, to stop an offence, effect the arrest of a suspect or maintain custody of a prisoner).
• will generally arrest a person for a crime committed in the officer's presence, or when the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person has already committed or is about to commit a crime.

• Moving Violations: Include improper lane changes, failure to stop at a red light or stop sign, driving in excess of the posted speed limit, etc.
• Non-Moving Violations: Include occupants not wearing seat belts, children not restrained properly, a tail light or brake light not working correctly, or failure to possess a licence, registration, or insurance.

• Criminal driving infractions, especially impaired driving but also dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and others.
• Criminal investigations often involve officers looking for a suspect, a witness, or a suspect vehicle. You or your vehicle and/or its occupants may match the description the officer is looking for.
• Courtesy or safety concerns, such as when your trunk is open, something is hanging from your vehicle, or something is on top of your vehicle, may also lead to stops.
• The R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) Program.
• A warrant exists for the arrest of an occupant of the vehicle.

• When you see the red lights and/or hear the siren, remain calm and safely pull over to the right side of the road (or nearest edge of the roadway on one way streets).
• Remain seated in your vehicle unless the officer advises otherwise. It may take the officer some time to approach your vehicle for safety reasons.
• Ontario law requires drivers to produce their licence, vehicle registration, and insurance card upon demand of a police officer. If your documents are out of reach, tell the officer where they are before you reach for them.
• It is imperative that you identify yourself correctly.
• If the stop occurs during darkness, turn on your dome or interior lights so the officer can easily see the interior of your car.
• If there are passengers in your vehicle, encourage them to stay seated in the vehicle, remain quiet and cooperate with instructions.
• The officer may issue you a ticket. If you feel the reason is vague or unclear, ask the officer for details.
• Avoid getting in an argument. If you wish to contest the ticket, you will have an opportunity to address the matter in court.
• If you receive a ticket, accept it calmly. Accepting the ticket is not an admission of guilt.
• If stopped at a Spot Check (RIDE), lower your window and answer the officer’s questions.

• The safe operation of the vehicle you are driving and the condition of the vehicle.
• Ensuring that all passengers under the age of 16 years are wearing their seatbelts or in a proper car seat, and that the children are properly secured. Children are not to ride on another person’s lap. All passengers 16 years and over are responsible for their own seatbelts. Failure to wear one could result in a ticket.
• It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the vehicle being driven is insured and that the required documents are in the vehicle.
• It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that the person driving the vehicle possesses a valid driver's licence. The Ministry of Transportation has provided vehicle owners two ways to confirm a person’s driver licence status. There is a fee for using either service.
• By phone at 1-900-565-6555 using a touch tone phone
• On the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's web site.