“Fight Driver No Seatbelt Ticket With Due Diligence Defence”

No. You aren't causing doubt on the officer's credibility. They just made an error. If the vehicle didn't have a permit then it didn't have a permit. Almost impossible to beat.

I forgot you were facing two offenses. Your strategy should therefore be different. When you attend court, do not discuss the case with the prosecutor. Simply tell him you want to go to trial. The reason for this is to not give them a chance to obtain MTO files confirming your plate was expired.

Too often, prosecutors do not obtain official MTO documents to prove status charges like yours, instead relying on what the officer testifies. But, some courts view that as hearsay. After all, if the prosecution wants to rely on MTO status, then they can simply provide certified MTO documents. The officer telling the court what they read on their computer system in their vehicle is no different then if they were to tell the court what they read on the internet.

So, while you have an excellent case on the seatbelt offense, you don't want to give the prosecution too much opportunity to gather the MTO document. They might not have requested those before court, assuming you would be pleading on a deal.

By the way, I probably wouldn't even take the stand in your case. That way you won't have to answer when you last paid for a plate renewal. In other words, don't give them an opportunity for you to hang your own self.

Understood. Thanks for the contributions. Will update this thread with the results tomorrow.

Hi everyone, the officer did not show up so charges were withdrawn. I was kinda looking forward to the trial, but thank you all for your help!

Congratulations! I think that's a very good result nonetheless. Came in with two tickets, left with none.

Don't you hate it when that happens? You have a wonderful defence planned and you don't even get to use it? Of course, winning by default is always easier. Congratulations.

It would have been nicer to win after a trial, but you still got the desired outcome. Congratulations! Now, put that seatbelt back in your car!