What you can do to restore your license before the suspension ends
If your license is suspended in Ontario, you cannot straightforward wait out the clock and drive again. You must take specific steps with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to restore it, and some suspension types allow you to end them early. The route depends on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid fines, a criminal conviction, a medical issue, or a driving record violation. Some suspensions can be lifted when ready once you meet the condition (like paying what you owe). Others have a minimum period you must serve before you can even request early removal.
The fastest path is to contact the MTO directly and ask what condition must be met for your specific suspension. Do not assume you must wait the full term. Many drivers do, and that costs them months of lost driving time.
Key Takeaways
- Administrative suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear in court can often be lifted when ready once you pay the fine or resolve the court matter.
- Criminal Code suspensions (impaired driving, dangerous operation) have a mandatory minimum period you must serve before requesting early removal, typically one to three years depending on the offence.
- Medical suspensions can be lifted early if you provide updated medical documentation showing you are fit to drive.
- You must contact the MTO's Suspension and Disqualification Unit directly — they will tell you the exact condition and documents needed for your suspension type.
- Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $198 in Ontario) before your license is restored.
Administrative suspensions: unpaid fines and court failures
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a fine or did not show up for a court date, this is an administrative suspension. It is the fastest type to resolve. Once you pay the fine in full or appear in court and resolve the matter, you can contact the MTO and request when ready reinstatement.
You will need to provide proof of payment or a court document showing the matter is resolved. The MTO will then lift the suspension, usually within one business day if you submit documents online or by mail. You may also need to pay the $198 reinstatement fee at the same time.
To pay a fine, contact the court that issued it or use the Ontario Court of Justice online payment system if the fine was issued by a provincial offence officer. If you are unsure which court or which fine caused the suspension, call the MTO Suspension and Disqualification Unit at 416-235-2999 (Toronto area) or 1-800-387-3244 (toll-free) and they will tell you.
Criminal Code suspensions: impaired driving and dangerous operation
If you were convicted of impaired driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, or a related Criminal Code offence, your license was suspended by the court as part of your sentence. These suspensions have a mandatory minimum period you must serve before you can request early removal. You cannot drive during this time, even with a restricted license.
The minimum period depends on the offence and whether it is your first conviction. A first impaired driving conviction typically carries a one-year minimum suspension. A second conviction within 10 years is usually three years. Dangerous operation convictions vary but often start at one year. After you have served the minimum, you can request early removal from the court that convicted you, but the judge has discretion to refuse.
To request early removal, you must file a motion with the court. You will likely need a lawyer to do this, and you may need to show evidence that you have completed a substance abuse program, attended counselling, or otherwise demonstrated rehabilitation. Contact the courthouse where you were convicted to learn the process and any forms required.
Medical suspensions: when your health status changes
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — because you reported a condition to the MTO, or because a doctor or police officer reported one — you can request early removal by providing updated medical documentation. The MTO will not lift a medical suspension without proof from a physician or specialist that you are now fit to drive.
The type of documentation needed depends on the condition. For vision problems, you may need an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. For neurological conditions, seizure disorders, or cardiac issues, you may need a report from a specialist. For mental health or substance use issues, you may need documentation from a physician or counsellor showing the condition is controlled or resolved.
Submit the medical documentation to the MTO's Medical Review Unit. They will assess it and notify you whether your suspension is lifted. This process can take several weeks. If the MTO is not satisfied with the documentation, they may request additional information or a more detailed assessment.
Driving record suspensions: accumulating too many points
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many demerit points on your driving record, you must serve the full suspension period — there is no early removal option for this type. However, you can reduce the number of points on your record by taking an approved driver improvement course, which removes up to four points.
Taking a course does not lift an active suspension, but it can help you avoid future suspensions. You can take one course every three years. The course must be approved by the MTO; check the MTO website for a list of providers in your area.
Once your suspension period ends, you must contact the MTO to reinstate your license. You will need to pay the $198 reinstatement fee and may need to provide proof that you have taken a driver improvement course if you want points removed from your record.
The reinstatement fee and what happens after
Most license restorations in Ontario require a $198 reinstatement fee. This applies whether your suspension is lifted early or after the full term. You can pay this fee online through the MTO website, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office.
Once you have paid the fee and met all other conditions (paid fines, provided medical documentation, served the minimum period, or resolved the court matter), the MTO will issue you a new license. If you are explore online, you can usually print a temporary license when ready and drive legally while your permanent license is mailed to you. If you explore by mail, allow 10 to 15 business days for processing.
If your suspension was for a Criminal Code offence, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can drive. This device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The court will tell you if this is required and for how long.
How to contact the MTO and what documents to have ready
The fastest way to find out what you need to do is to call the MTO Suspension and Disqualification Unit. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. They will tell you the reason for your suspension, the minimum period you must serve (if any), and the exact documents or payments needed to restore your license.
You can also check your suspension status online through the MTO website using your license number and date of birth. This will show you the suspension type and end date, but it will not tell you whether you can request early removal or what documents are needed.
If you are requesting early removal, gather the relevant documents before you contact the MTO: proof of fine payment, court documents, medical reports, or evidence of rehabilitation. Having these ready will speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a G1 or G2 license while my full license is suspended?
No. A suspension applies to all classes of Ontario driver's licenses. You cannot drive any vehicle legally until the suspension is lifted, regardless of what license class you hold.
What if I was suspended in another province — can I restore it in Ontario?
If you were suspended in another province and now live in Ontario, you must resolve the suspension in that province first. Ontario will not issue you a license until the other province confirms the suspension is lifted. Contact the motor vehicle authority in the province where you were suspended.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I served the full suspension period?
Yes. The $198 reinstatement fee applies to all license restorations in Ontario, whether you requested early removal or waited out the full term. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs related to the original offence.
How long does it take to get my license back after I meet all the conditions?
If you explore online and pay the reinstatement fee, you can usually print a temporary license the same day and drive legally. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in 10 to 15 business days. If you explore by mail, allow 15 to 20 business days total.
What if the MTO says I do not meet the conditions for early removal?
If you have served the minimum period for a Criminal Code suspension and the MTO or court denies your request, you can file another motion with the court after additional time has passed or after you have completed further rehabilitation. Speak with a lawyer about your options.