Car Rallies

Operation Silent Night

Unauthorized car rallies are disruptive to citizens’ quality of life and pose a significant risk to the community. These events often come with excessive noise, speeding, stunt driving and blocking or impeding motor or pedestrian traffic.

Illegal car rallies typically involve people gathering with their modified vehicles to do stunts, taking over private property, like parking lots. These events do not have a permit or permission from the City of Vaughan to take place.

The City of Vaughan has made amendments to Vaughan’s Special Events By-law (PDF) and Noise By-law (PDF) to prohibit any participation in unauthorized car rallies. Please see accompanying City of Vaughan media release for details on the amendments and associated fines.

York Regional Police supports these bylaw amendments and will assist City of Vaughan bylaw officers with enforcement and education as part of Operation Silent Night, a multi-faceted approach that includes crime prevention messaging and collateral for community engagement, specialized training, a social media strategy and ongoing partnership with the City of Vaughan.

City of Vaughan by-law amendments

To combat these unauthorized car rallies and in response to concerns from its residents, the City of Vaughan has amended Special Events By-law 047-2024 and Noise By-law 046-2024.

Now, those participating in an unauthorized car rally in Vaughan will face new fines. These fines are significant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Frequently asked questions

What is an unauthorized car rally?

Car rallies without a special events permit are not allowed in Vaughan.

These car rallies typically involve people gathering with their modified vehicles.

Those who attend these events often perform stunts and take over private property such as parking lots or roads.

How can I report an unauthorized car rally?

Unauthorized car rallies in Vaughan can be reported at 905-832-2281.

Non-emergencies can be reported to York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423.

In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

What are the fines for participating in an unauthorized car rally in Vaughan?

The City of Vaughan and York Regional Police will issue administrative penalties of $1,000 for a first offence and $2,000 for any subsequent offence to anyone sponsoring, collecting money for, co-ordinating, advertising, hosting or being a vendor for an unauthorized car rally.

The maximum fine associated with participating in an unauthorized car rally is $10,000.

Anyone spectating, attending, riding as a passenger or having their vehicle at an unauthorized car rally can be fined up to $10,000 or may receive an administrative penalty of $500.

What are the fines associated with breaking the Noise By-law?

The maximum fine associated with breaking the Noise By-law is $5,000.

Anyone emitting, causing or permitting sounds or noises from a car rally may be fined or receive an administrative penalty of $1,000 for a first offence and $2,000 for a subsequent offence.

An administrative penalty may also be applied to anyone causing or permitting unnecessary noise from a motor vehicle.

This includes anyone honking, revving an engine or squealing tires, or anyone who does not use a muffler or other device that prevents loud or explosive noises from a vehicle.

What role do plaza property owners have in preventing authorized car rallies?

A minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offence and $2,000 for a subsequent offence will be applied to anyone who is allowing an unauthorized car rally to take place on their property in Vaughan.

Property owners are responsible for preventing unauthorized car rallies from taking place on their property and reporting if any unauthorized events occur.

Where can I find more information about unauthorized car rallies?

More information about unauthorized car rallies can be found on the City of Vaughan website.

Read the bylaws at the links below:

Looking for more information? Call the City of Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit the city's website.

What is the role of York Regional Police in regards to the newly amended by-laws?

York Regional Police is committed to maintaining public safety. YRP will act in a supporting role to the City of Vaughan to enforce the amended by-laws.

York Regional Police will continue to monitor unauthorized car meets in Vaughan and the rest of York Region and will enforce the law in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act, the Trespass to Property Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.