Ontario Speeding Ticket Demerit Points

Ontario Demerit Point System

In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation uses demerit points to track your driving habits. Accumulating too many can lead to consequences like a license suspension.

Points stay on your record for two years from the date of the offence. If a driver collects 6 points, they might receive a warning letter.

Fully licensed drivers accumulating as little as 9 points can face a 30-day license suspension. Meanwhile, probationary drivers and G2 drivers also face stricter regulations with lower thresholds for penalties.

Demerit Points For Speeding Tickets

Demerit points in Ontario are assigned based on the severity of the speeding offence. For example, driving 16-29 km/h over the speed limit results in three demerit points. More serious violations, such as driving 30 km/h or more over the limit, will result in more points. A significant offence, such as driving 50 km/h over, results in six demerit points.

*Stunt Driving includes exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more in zones where the speed limit is 80 km/h or lower, or by 50 km/h or more in zones where the speed limit is over 80 km/h.

In addition to demerit points, stunt driving and serious violations often result in automatic license suspensions, vehicle impoundment, and hefty fines.

These points remain on the driving record for two years. Accumulating too many can lead to a license suspension. For new or novice drivers, the penalties for accruing demerit points are often stricter. Keeping track and managing demerit points is essential for maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding further complications with the law.

Consequences for Novice Drivers

Novice drivers in Ontario face strict penalties for accumulating demerit points. Under the graduated licensing rules, new drivers include those with a G1, G2, M1, M2, M1-L, or M2-L license. 

Accumulating 2 to 5 demerit points results in a warning letter to the novice driver, however a single offence with 4 or more points will result in a licence suspension. This serves as an official notice, urging them to improve their driving behaviour to avoid further consequences.

Accumulating 6 to 8 demerit points may lead to an in-person meeting. Such meetings are designed to emphasize the importance of understanding the full scope of safe driving practices. A decision may be made to suspend a driver’s license at this meeting.

If a new driver accumulates 9 or more demerit points, they face a licence suspension. The suspension length depends on the driver’s previous suspension history. The suspension aims to provide time for the driver to reconsider their habits.

Speeding and other traffic violations can impact a novice driver’s record. Speeding tickets typically carry 3 to 6 points, depending on how far over the speed limit the driver was traveling. Receiving multiple violations can quickly escalate the demerit point count. Every speeding ticket for 30 km/h or more over the speed limit will result in a license suspension for novice drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out how many demerit points I have on my Ontario driver’s license?

To check the demerit points on your Ontario driver’s license, you can request a driver’s abstract. This is available through the ServiceOntario website or at their physical locations. The abstract includes your driving record and any demerit points.

How do I remove or reduce demerit points from my driving record in Ontario?

Demerit points are automatically reduced over time. Legal representation, such as OTD Legal, can assist in contesting tickets to prevent points from being added.

Can demerit points from speeding tickets impact my insurance rates in Ontario?

No. Many major offences that have a dramatic impact on your insurance rates do not have any demerit points and many minor offences with little impact on insurance premiums do carry demerit points. Demeirt points are used exclusively by the Ministry of Transportation to penalize drivers for habitually poor driving behaviour. Insurance companies have their own “insurance points” system used in part to determine your insurance rates.

What is the duration of demerit points on a driver’s record in Ontario?

Demerit points remain on a driver’s record for two years from the offence date. After two years, they are automatically removed, but any convictions remain on your driving record.