
07/27/2025
Drivers who block intersections in Mississauga could soon face $125 fines
**Mississauga May Soon Fine Drivers \$125 for Blocking Signalized Intersections**
Drivers who obstruct signalized intersections in Mississauga could soon face a \$125 fine, as the city ramps up efforts to improve road safety.
Following a citywide hike in parking fines this past April, Mississauga officials are now exploring financial penalties for motorists who block intersections — a move aimed at reducing congestion and increasing safety at busy pedestrian crossings.
Currently, Mississauga has no specific fine in place for this type of infraction, unlike several other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area. In a motion submitted to city council, Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko is proposing the \$125 fine along with several other safety initiatives.
However, the city must first obtain approval from Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General before the fine can be officially implemented.
The proposed motion is scheduled for discussion at next Wednesday’s city council meeting.
The offense, commonly referred to as "blocking the box," occurs when a driver enters an intersection on a green or amber light without enough space on the other side to fully clear it. The vehicle ends up stranded in the middle of the intersection, obstructing traffic — including buses, emergency vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
As part of his proposal, Dasko is also calling for:
* Launching a “Don’t SIT (Safe Intersection Traffic)” program to address congestion and promote safer streets.
* Granting the city’s legal team authority to seek provincial approval for the \$125 fine.
* Installing warning signs at key intersections known for congestion.
* Collaborating with Peel Regional Police to boost enforcement during peak hours.
* Developing a public awareness campaign to discourage intersection blocking, to be reviewed by the city’s Road Safety Committee.
In his motion, Dasko emphasized the city's ongoing need to ease traffic flow and reduce gridlock at intersections.
Councillor Alvin Tedjo (Ward 2), who raised similar concerns earlier this year, noted that "blocking the box" significantly disrupts traffic and increases the likelihood of accidents involving drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. He added that stronger enforcement and higher fines have already shown positive results in cities like Toronto.
In fact, Toronto increased its fines for intersection blocking last September — from \$90 to \$450 at most locations and from \$120 to \$500 in community safety zones — after receiving provincial approval under the Provincial Offences Act.
At the time, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow described intersection blocking as a serious hazard that endangers vulnerable road users and disrupts traffic.
Meanwhile, Mississauga raised fines for 76 different parking violations on April 1 — the first such increase in nine years. Going forward, city officials plan to review parking fines annually to ensure they remain effective.
Sponsored by Zayouna Law Firm