Driving while uninsured and unauthorized results in big fine

BARRHEAD - A Barrhead man received a hefty after he pleaded guilty to driving without proper insurance and while unauthorized.

Gary William Fornahl-Bogden received $3,600 in fines from Justice Carrie-Ann Downey during a Nov. 12 Barrhead Court of Justice sitting.

Provincial traffic Crown prosecutor R. Rees told the court that the charges stemmed from an incident on July 24, 2024, on Highway 861, near Range Road 21 in the County of Barrhead when the accused was found driving a motor vehicle without proper insurance and registration and driving while unauthorized.

She noted that $3,000 for driving without insurance was the minimum required under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act.

The fines are inclusive of the victim fine surcharge.

Fornahl-Bogden has until Nov. 28, 2025, to pay the fines. If he does not, he risks the potential of 59 days in jail, 14 for driving while unauthorized fine, and 45 days for driving while uninsured fine.

The accused, who said he is not currently employed, asked for two years to pay the fines.

Rees also said that because Fornahl-Bogden pleaded guilty to the two charges, the Crown withdrew the remaining charge of driving an unregistered vehicle.

As part of the sentence, the accused also received a six-month driving suspension, which Justice Downey noted was mandatory for those found guilty of driving while unauthorized.

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com