Yes No Share to Facebook
Person Aboard Trailer Contrary to Section 188 of the Highway Traffic Act
What Is the Law and Fine For Towing a Trailer With a Person Onboard?
Towing a House Trailer or Boat Trailer, Among Others, With a Person Inside Is Contrary to Section 188 of the Highway Traffic Act and Is Subject to Penalties Including a Fine Ranging From $60 to $1,000 Plus Victim Surcharge and Court Cost As Well As Possible Consequences to Insurance Rates.
Understanding the Highway Traffic Act Offence For Towing a Trailer With a Person Aboard Including Applicable Penalties
Whereas towing a house trailer or a boat trailer, among others, with a person onboard poses a risk of serious injury or death if an accident were to occur, doing so is unlawful; and thus, a driver must ensure that all persons traveling are within the vehicle that is towing the trailer rather than within the trailer that is being towed.
The Law
The law forbidding a driver from towing a house trailer or boat trailer with a person onboard is found at section 188 of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 and the applicable penalty upon conviction for a violation is found at section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act as section 188 is silent about, meaning failing to state, the penalty details. Specifically, section 188 and section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act state:
Riding in house or boat trailers prohibited
188 No driver of a motor vehicle to which a house trailer or boat trailer is attached shall operate the motor vehicle on a highway if the trailer is occupied by any person.
General penalty
214 (1) Every person who contravenes this Act or any regulation is guilty of an offence and on conviction, where a penalty for the contravention is not otherwise provided for herein, is liable to a fine of not less than $60 and not more than $1,000.
As is described via the relevant sections referenced above, the general penalty mandated per section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act prescribes a fine that ranges from sixty ($60) dollars to one thousand ($1,000) dollars upon conviction for the towing of a house trailer or of a boat trailer with a person inside. Additionally, also upon conviction, the statutory victim surcharge as well as court cost will apply. Furthermore, a conviction may result in insurance rate increases.
Summary Comment
Driving with a person onboard a house trailer or boat trailer, among other trailers, presents a great risk of serious harm to that person in the event of an accident. Accordingly, the law forbids doing so and imposes a fine of up to one thousand ($1,000) dollars upon a finding of guilty when a driver is charged for doing so.
NOTE: A significant number of online searches for terms like “lawyers near me” or “best lawyer in” often indicate a pressing need for skilled legal assistance rather than a particular job title. In Ontario, paralegals who hold a licence are governed by the same Law Society that regulates lawyers and are empowered to advocate for clients in specific litigation scenarios. Skills in advocacy, legal assessment, and procedural knowledge are fundamental to that position. Stephanie Colangelo Legal Services provides legal advocacy within its licensed parameters, focusing on strategic analysis, evidence preparation, and compelling representation geared towards achieving swift and favorable outcomes for clients.