Traffic Tickets We Fight

Speeding

Up to 6 demerit points

• 16–29 km/h over the limit: 3 demerit points
• 30–49 km/h over: 4 demerit points
• 50 km/h or more over (or 40 km/h or more over where the limit is under 80 km/h): 6 demerit points and a possible stunt driving charge
• Fines increase with speed, and convictions can raise your insurance

Stunt driving and street racing

6 demerit points

• Immediate 30-day licence suspension and 14-day vehicle impoundment at roadside
• On conviction: fine of $2,000 to $10,000 and up to 6 months in jail
• Licence suspension of at least 1 year for a first conviction, longer for repeat convictions
• Includes driving 150 km/h or more anywhere in Ontario (HTA s. 172)

Careless driving

6 demerit points

• Fine of $400 to $2,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both (HTA s. 130)
• Licence suspension of up to 2 years
• Careless driving causing bodily harm or death: fine of $2,000 to $50,000, up to 2 years in jail and up to a 5-year suspension

Failing to remain at the scene

7 demerit points

• Fine of $400 to $2,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both (HTA s. 200)
• Licence suspension of up to 2 years
• One of the most serious charges under the Highway Traffic Act

Failing to stop for a school bus

6 demerit points

• Charged under HTA s. 175(11) and (12)
• Fine of $400 to $2,000 for a first offence; higher fines and possible jail for repeat offences
• Vehicle owners can also be charged

Distracted driving (hand-held device)

3 demerit points

• First conviction: $615 if settled out of court, or up to $1,000 if you go to court and lose
• 3-day licence suspension on a first conviction; longer suspensions and higher fines for repeat convictions
• Novice drivers face licence suspensions instead of demerit points

Following too closely

4 demerit points

• Often laid after a rear-end collision
• The officer’s evidence about distance and speed can be challenged

Stop sign and red light tickets

3 demerit points

• Failing to stop at a stop sign or obey a traffic light: 3 demerit points
• Red light camera tickets are issued to the vehicle owner and carry no demerit points

Seatbelt charges

2 demerit points

• Driver not wearing a seatbelt: 2 demerit points
• Drivers are also responsible for passengers under 16 and for child car seats

Driving while suspended

• Charged under HTA s. 53(1)
• Serious consequences, including large fines, a further suspension and possible jail
• Get advice early — these charges are not suitable for paying out of court

Insurance and ownership documents

• Failing to surrender or produce an insurance card, licence or vehicle ownership
• Often resolved once valid documents are shown, but should not be ignored

Missed deadlines, reopenings and appeals

• If you did not respond to your ticket within 15 days, you may have been convicted without a hearing
• You may be able to apply to reopen the case, but the time limits are short
• If you were convicted at trial, an appeal may be possible — appeal deadlines are strict