15 charges laid after unqualified commercial driver in uninsured vehicle stopped on Hwy. 17

Ontario Provincial Police have laid 15 charges against two individuals and a commercial vehicle operating company following a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Marathon, Ont., on July 13, 2025. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

Ontario Provincial Police have laid 15 charges against two individuals and a commercial vehicle operating company following a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Marathon.

The incident occurred on Sunday, when authorities pulled over a tractor-trailer hauling a livestock trailer. Officers reported seeing the driver and passenger try to switch seats when initiating the stop.

Driver, passenger and company charged

As a result of the incident, an 18-year-old from Southgate Township faces seven charges, including driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without the proper licence, failing to provide a daily log or inspection report and operating a CMV without an electronic logging device or proof of insurance.

The 41-year-old passenger from Dundalk was also charged with three offences, including failing to accurately complete a daily inspection report and smoking in a forested area while working.

“Neither individual could provide valid insurance, daily logs, or pre-trip inspection reports,” OPP said in a related social media post.

Additionally, the vehicle’s operating company was charged with five regulatory offences, including permitting an improperly licensed driver to operate the vehicle, failing to ensure proper daily inspections and not equipping the CMV with a required electronic logging device.

Police emphasize road safety responsibility

“The OPP takes road safety seriously,” said OPP Const. Kim Rodak in the social media post. “If you’re operating a CMV, it’s your responsibility to know the law and follow it.”

Authorities said they urge the public to report unsafe vehicles or driving behaviours via the OPP’s non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 or dial 911 in urgent or life-threatening situations.