The Provincial Offences Act (POA) governs the prosecution of non-criminal provincial charges — including Highway Traffic Act offences, municipal bylaw violations, Occupational Health and Safety Act charges, liquor licensing matters, and more.
POA matters are heard at the Ontario Court of Justice. Depending on the certificate type, you may have options to request a trial, a meeting with a prosecutor, or an early resolution conference. The stakes can include fines, licence suspensions, demerit points, and in some cases, insurance impacts.
Even seemingly minor charges are worth fighting — particularly where your driving record, insurance premiums, or employment depend on a clean history.