Ontario Demerit Points
In Ontario, the demerit point system is an essential component of traffic safety laws. It is designed to encourage safe driving and serves as a method for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to track driving offences. Accumulating too many demerit points can lead to penalties, including license suspension.
| Traffic Offence | Fine (Approx.) | Demerit Points | Penalty Description |
| Speeding (1-15 km/h over limit) | $17.50-$52.50 | 0 | Possible fine, no demerit points. |
| Speeding (16-29 km/h over limit) | 3 points | 3 | Fine varies based on km/h over the limit. |
| Speeding (30-49 km/h over limit) | 4 points | 4 | Higher fines for excessive speeding. |
| Speeding (50 km/h or more over limit) | 6 points | 6 | Possible suspension of license, vehicle impoundment, and court appearances. |
| Careless Driving | 6 points | 6 | Possible jail time, suspension of license, and increased insurance rates. |
| Failing to Stop for a Red Light | $325 | 3 | Fine if caught by police; different if caught by a red-light camera (no demerit points). |
| Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign | $110 | 3 | Applicable at intersections and private roads. |
| Distracted Driving (First Offence) | $615 (up to $1,000) | 3 | Includes hand-held devices; mandatory license suspension for first offence, repeat offences result in higher fines and longer suspensions. |
| Distracted Driving (Second Offence) | $615-$2,000 | 6 | Longer license suspension for second and subsequent offences. |
| Failing to Wear Seatbelt | $240 | 2 | Includes fines for passengers under 16 not wearing seatbelts. |
| Failure to Stop for School Bus | $400-$2,000 | 6 | Applicable when passing a school bus with flashing lights. |
| Driving Without Insurance (First Offence) | $5,000-$25,000 | 0 | Severe penalties including potential license suspension, court appearances, and high fines. |
| Failure to Yield Right of Way | $150 | 3 | Includes intersections, pedestrian crossings, and roundabouts. |
| Driving with a Suspended License | Up to $5,000 | 0 | Possible jail time and mandatory license suspension. |
| Running a Red Light (camera) | $325 | 0 | Fine but no demerit points if caught by a red-light camera. |
| Failure to Remain at the Scene of a Collision | Up to $2,000 | 7 | Serious charge that can lead to suspension of license and possible jail time. |
| Failing to Signal a Lane Change | $110 | 2 | Applicable on highways and urban roads. |
| Making an Improper Right Turn | $110 | 2 | Specific to intersections or prohibited areas. |
| Failing to Stop for a Pedestrian | $150-$500 | 4 | Particularly at crosswalks and school crossings. |
| G1/G2 License Violations | $110 | 0 | Mandatory licence suspension or revocation. |
| Driving with Expired License Plate | $110 | 0 | Renew your plates annually to avoid fines. |
| Stunt Driving / Racing | $2,000-$10,000 | 6 | Immediate suspension, impoundment, and severe penalties. |
Demerit Points and Their Impact
Demerit points are added to your driving record when you are convicted of certain traffic violations under the Highway Traffic Act. These offences range from minor infractions to serious violations. For instance, careless driving and stunt driving each incur six points.
Driver’s licenses in Ontario are subject to escalating penalties based on the number of demerit points accumulated:
- 2 to 5 points: You receive a warning letter urging you to improve your driving habits.
- 6 to 8 points: A second warning is issued, emphasizing the need to correct driving behaviour.
- 9 or more points: A license suspension for 60 days may be imposed.
Fully licensed drivers and novice drivers have different thresholds for action. Novice drivers (including those with a G1 or G2 license) face stricter penalties.
Consequences and License Suspensions
Receiving a suspension can significantly impact your daily life. Your ability to travel easily relies on your driving privileges, and it affects your independence and job opportunities. A clean driving record is advantageous not only for maintaining your license but also for keeping insurance rates low.
Suspensions can also occur if drivers fail to respond to traffic tickets, resulting in additional legal issues. As such, addressing ticket issues promptly can help prevent penalties from worsening.
Minor and Major Violations
While many minor infractions only result in a small number of demerit points, it’s essential to avoid repeated offences. More serious offences, such as distracted driving or failing to stop for a school bus, carry heavier penalties. Violations involving driving without a seatbelt for you or your passengers under 16 years also add two demerit points. Ensuring that infant and toddler passengers are securely fastened is mandatory, with similar penalties for non-compliance.
FAQs
What are the consequences of accumulating demerit points in Ontario?
In Ontario, accumulating demerit points can lead to a series of actions by the Ministry of Transportation:
- 2 to 5 points: You will receive a warning letter.
- 6 to 8 points: A second warning letter is sent, urging you to improve your driving habits.
- 9 or more points: Your driver’s license will be suspended for 60 days. You will be notified by mail.
How can I find out the number of demerit points on my driving record?
To check the number of demerit points on your driving record, you can:
- Access the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.
- Visit a ServiceOntario location.
- Request a copy of your driver’s record online or in person.
How does the demerit point system work for G1 license holders in Ontario?
For G1 license holders, the demerit point system is stricter because these drivers are considered new and less experienced. Accumulating 6 demerit points can lead to a suspension and may require a meeting with the Ministry of Transportation. At 9 points, G1 license holders will have their license suspended for 60 days.
What is the duration that demerit points remain on a driver’s record in Ontario?
Demerit points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the offence. This affects both novice and fully licensed drivers, and it’s essential to drive safely to avoid accumulating points.
Do demerit points affect insurance rates in Ontario?
Yes, demerit points can impact your insurance rates. While insurance companies do not directly use demerit points, they consider traffic convictions, which are linked to demerit points, when calculating premiums. More convictions often lead to higher rates.
RESOURCES
Learn More About Demerit Points
FREE CONSULTATION & QUOTE
Do You Need To Defend Yourself Against A Traffic Ticket?
We have the skill and experience to help drivers just like you, all while protecting your best interests in the process. We provide free, no obligation, confidential consultations. We help drivers throughout Ontario, including in Kitchener, Georgetown, London, and Windsor, or from our home office in Cambridge. To start a free consultation, text a copy of your ticket to 226-240-2480 or email a copy to help@otdlegal.ca. Once we receive a copy of your ticket, we will call you. As always, we can also be contacted toll-free by calling 1-844-647-6869.
RESOURCES
Our Recent Videos
Never Just Pay Your Traffic Ticket: From A Former Prosecutor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu6HIkzq23c Video Transcription: As a former or retired prosecutor, I’d like to talk to you today about why you want to fight your traffic ticket. It is important to consider certain things that happen when you do end up with a ticket....
Do Police Actually Have Ticket Quotas?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05AxFPuLIYo Video Transcription: Do police have ticket quotas? It’s a question I actually like. I like to try to address this question for whoever takes the time to listen to me. And the answer I will give you right up front is that no,...
Can Police Issue Traffic Tickets While Off Duty?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKndnz3WYLw Video Transcription: I’m going to try to answer a question, which is: can an off-duty police officer issue a ticket? The answer to the question is yes, and here’s why. Any police officer here in Ontario, whether they’re...
RESOURCES
Our Recent Blogs
When Do You Have to Obey Construction Zone Speed Limits?
Drivers must abide by posted speed limits to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists. Speeding in these areas leads to increased fines, sometimes doubled, to discourage risky behaviour. Fines can escalate significantly if one’s speed exceeds 30 km/h...
Do School Zone Speed Limits Apply on Weekends?
School zone speed limits in Ontario are regulated under Highway Traffic Act (HTA) s. 128 (5) and are designed to protect children and pedestrians near schools. By default, these reduced speed limits are in effect at all times unless a municipality...
Can Police Impound Your Car for Speeding?
Vehicle impoundment is a legal enforcement measure used by police to maintain road safety. In Ontario, under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), excessive speeding, stunt driving, and other dangerous driving behaviours are key infractions that can result in impoundment. ...