Administrative Penalty Tribunal – Toronto, ON

Administrative Penalty Tribunal (APT)

Parking and Traffic Dispute Adjudication

The Administrative Penalty Tribunal is an independent adjudicative body in the City of Toronto responsible for reviewing administrative penalties. This tribunal serves as the second and final level of dispute resolution for parking violations, Red Light Camera charges, and Automated Speed Enforcement tickets. It operates separately from the provincial court system, providing a more streamlined, quasi-judicial process for resolving non-criminal traffic and by-law infractions. Citizens who have already undergone a screening review and remain unsatisfied with the outcome can appeal to this tribunal for a final decision.

Tribunal Functions and Services

The APT focuses strictly on administrative reviews rather than criminal trials. Its key functions include:

• Hearing Officers: Disputes are heard by independent Hearing Officers appointed by the City Council, not by judges or justices of the peace.
• Dispute Reviews: Reviewing decisions made by Screening Officers regarding penalty notices to determine if the penalty should be affirmed, varied, or cancelled.
• Time Extensions: Considering requests for extensions of time to pay fines or file disputes under specific extenuating circumstances.

Process and Accessibility

The tribunal has modernized its operations to be largely digital-first.

• Virtual Hearings: Most hearings are conducted electronically (by phone or video conference), allowing disputants to attend without traveling to the office.
• In-Person Services: The office at 40 Orchard View Boulevard (located within the Northern District Library building) serves as an administrative hub where individuals can submit forms or seek information if they cannot access online services.
• Accessibility: The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all residents.

Important Note: This tribunal does not handle criminal driving charges or moving violations issued by a police officer (such as speeding tickets handed to a driver); those must go to the Provincial Offences Court. The APT deals strictly with camera-based and parking infractions where the ticket is issued to the vehicle owner.