“Am I Suspended?”

puzzled wrote:So' I'll fax them over in the a.m after I get them and see how fast I get reinstated. The letter did say " You driver's license will be reistated when you file a satisfactory medical report."

Please keep us updated. This is good information to know.

I think that they will want to see a doctors report stating your ok to drive. It all depends on your health issues.

Good luck and hope you are feeling better!

Thanks. Yes that is what I have to get in the a.m along with my test results. I was told my results are fine as he was talking to his receptionist. I feel fine thanks. Haven't had any alcohol since the day before I went to the hospital. I don't like the way it makes me feel so that's why I went in the first place. In hindsight I should have just stayed home, not to mention a $22 cab ride each way plus tip.

Well today is my last day to drive till my license gets reinstated. Had an exam done by my doc, and he asked me all the needed questions for the forms. All my tests came back fine, blood, urine, etc. Faxed all the froms over. Firday I'll get my wife to drive me over to the nearest driver's office to hand in my license. Hopefully they'll see that there's nothing wrong and reinstate it quickly. This whole sitaution not only affects my work, but my kids' school is close to an hour away in the a.m and about half an hour after school.We sometimes share the driving. This will put a great burden on my wife but right now there's nothing I can do about it. Play by the rules and hope I get it back soon. All this over a visit to the ER because I didn't feel well. I have done a lot of volunteer work over the last 25 years. Therapy dogs ( 4 years with mentally handicapped children and adults/seniors,plus two years in schools), SAR ( I have Germaan Shepherds),I've asissted both Metro Police and York looking for one body and lost children, coached for 12 years, sponsor charity BBQ's for over 25 years. I like to think of myself as a good and responsible husband, father and person.

There are a few things I have to mention. The urine test did test for alcohol, the morning of recieving the medical request, and came back negative for ethanol. Hope that shows them something. Secondly, I did have to pay for the report to be filled in. It is not covered by OHIP. Yes I do need my license. Just thinking forward I'm trying to figure out our logistics for everything that we have to do. Work, kids' school, kids' sports, shopping, taking care of our parents ,etc. None of my kids have their license or drive. I just hope all of this doesn't affect my insurance too.

The first letter along with the medical questionaire/report was only in English. The " official" notice however, came in both languages.

Well,, my wife drove me over today to the local D/L office. I handed over my D/L, signed a form and got a copy of it for my records. Now, I have to wait 2-6 weeks for all my paperwork to be looked at and approved. I'm glad I have a lot of hobbies to eat up any idle time I may have. After my wife drove me over we went over to the local supermarket. Shaking her head she said to me, " I don't get it. You went to get checked the next morning because you didn't feel well. You didn't drive, you never drank and drove, you were never charged or had any tickets or accidents. How do you defend yourself against something like this?" I just said to her that handing over my license was one of the hardest things I've had to do. Now if my wife is out with one of the kids and the other has to go somewhere I can't take them. Work is interrupted for both of us, activities for the kids, getting them to school, and even something simple like driving to the store to get milk is not an option.

Oh, and Greatest Canadian it was Section 47(1) of the HTA.

Sorry it took me a while to reply. No license, two kids with the flu, trying to get work done, waiting for my wife to drive me everywhere, etc....

The first letter they sent me with the medical report was to find out if there is a diagnosis of alcohol dependence present.

I guess they were demanding these tests based on the doc's report from the hospital. The whole 90 seconds he spent with me along with alcohol in my blood led him to the possibility of alcohol dependence.

Still another 1 1/2 - 5 weeks till I get my license back according to the MTO as long as their Medical Review Section is satisfied with my report, which there shouldn't be any problems.

My wife and I were watching the news about that tragic accident where three people were killed by a drunk driver. They stated he was convicted in the past of impaired driving, yet he was behind the wheel of this car. My wife turned to me and said, " Here's a guy who has been convicted of drunk driving and is still behind the wheel of a car, and you go to the hospital to get checked out and lose your license".

I give my wife credit though through all of this. Driving me, the kids, one to the doctor, the other to school, working, taking my dad out, both home now sick. I'm a lucky guy to be married to her.

In the event that MTO chooses not to reinstate your licence, you can appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal. MTO takes a hard line on these types of suspensions, but keep on them. They will drag their feet on a decision regarding your suspension if you let them.

Not to rain on Greatest Canadian's parade but I would never advise a written submission to the Licence Appeal Tribunal. Always appear in person. I also have little confidence in a charter agrument. I do this kind of thing for a living and don't recall anyone being successful with a charter argument for a licence suspension. The most effective way of contesting this is through doing some work and making a strong case.

Thanks Mark. I don't see any reason for them not to reinstate my license and my doctor's report along with my lab results should show that. You mention to keep on them. How do you suggest going about that? I have already called once to confirm reciept of my fax and called their automated line twice. The automated line gave me no information other than telling me that they had mailed me a letter. I really hope it does not go as far as me having to appear at the Licence Appeal Tribunal. I don't know if you have read this entire thread, but if you have, you will see why I believe it will be reinstated. I have been driving for 29 years and have had only two tickets in all those years. One when I was 17 for doing 10 kmh over the limit in North York, and one a few years back in York Region for having no front plate on a classic car coming back from a car show. This whole sitiuation is frustrating, but I've been a patient good boy thus far and haven't driven or done anything that would jeopardize anything.

When I say to keep on them, I mean call them regularly. They tend to go at their own pace unless you light a fire under them. I don't mean that you should call and be rude or abusive in any way but be presistent.

Thanks Mark. From what I understand you have a lot of experience with them. I will try to call them today. The last time I called was a week ago to make sure that they got my fax.

Calling 3 times a week is not unreasonable.

Well, called over to the MTO today. Spoke to a very nice lady who looked up my file. She told me it is still waiting to be reviewed and the wait time is 2-6 weeks from the time they get it. First come, first served basis. I feel like I'm under house arrest. Kind of like the guy who sat broken hearted , paid his dime and only..well, you know.

Called over to the MTO yesterday. Spoke to a really nice guy with a good sense of humor. Told my doc report and lab results stil haven't been reviewed. Takes at least 2-4 weeks.