As a driver in Ontario, it’s important to understand the traffic laws and the potential consequences of violating them. From the demerit points system to the hefty fines, being informed can help you avoid penalties and maintain a clean driving record. This comprehensive guide will cover all aspects of traffic violations, the demerit points system, fines, major traffic offences, and what happens if you accumulate too many points. We’ll also explain how red light camera and parking tickets work in Ontario.

Demerit Points System in Ontario

Ontario’s demerit points system is designed to track and penalize drivers who commit traffic offences. Contrary to what some may believe, demerit points are not directly tied to fines but are assigned based on specific driving infractions. Accumulating too many points can lead to penalties, including licence suspensions.

In Ontario, the traffic laws, demerit points system, and fines are in place to promote safe driving and ensure road safety for everyone. Understanding the major traffic offences and their consequences can help you avoid violations, maintain a clean driving record, and avoid costly fines or licence suspensions.

From speeding violations to parking tickets and red light cameras, Ontario drivers must stay aware of the potential consequences of their actions on the road. Remember, if you accumulate too many demerit points or commit a serious offence like drinking and driving, the penalties can have lasting consequences on your driving privileges and even your criminal record.

How Demerit Points Work

You don’t “lose” demerit points on your driving record. You start with zero points and gain points for being convicted of breaking certain traffic laws.

Demerit points are added to your driving record when you are convicted of certain driving offences. The number of points varies depending on the severity of the violation. Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the date of the offence. If you collect enough points, you can lose your driver’s licence.

You can also get demerit points on your Ontario’s driver’s licence when you violate driving laws in:

• other Canadian provinces and territories
• the State of New York
• the State of Michigan

Here’s how the system works:

• If you accumulate too many demerit points, you will face penalties ranging from warnings to licence suspensions.

• New drivers (those with a G1, G2, M1, or M2 licence) have stricter thresholds for penalties compared to fully licensed drivers.

Major Traffic Offences and Demerit Points

The number of demerit points added to your driving record depends on the offence. Here are the major traffic offences and demerit points that will be recorded for certain violations.

7 demerit points will be added if you are convicted of:

• failing to remain at the scene of a collision
• failing to stop when signaled or asked by a police officer

6 demerit points will be added if you are convicted of:

• careless driving
• racing
• exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more on roads with a speed limit of less than 80 km/h
• exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more
• failing to stop for a school bus

5 demerit points will be added if you are convicted of:

• failing to stop at an unprotected railway crossing (for bus drivers only)

4 demerit points will be added if you are convicted of:

• exceeding the speed limit by 30 to 49 km/h
• following too closely
• failing to stop at a pedestrian crossover

3 demerit points will be added if you are convicted of:

• driving while holding or using a hand-held wireless communications or entertainment device
• driving while viewing a display screen unrelated to the driving task
• exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h
• driving through, around or under a railway crossing barrier
• driving the wrong way on a divided road
• driving or operating a vehicle on a closed road
• failing to yield the right-of-way
• failing to obey a stop sign, traffic control stop/slow sign, traffic light or railway crossing signal
• failing to obey the directions of a police officer
• failing to report a collision to a police officer
• failing to slow and carefully pass a stopped emergency vehicle or a tow truck with its amber lights flashing
• failing to move, where possible, into another lane when passing a stopped emergency vehicle or a tow truck with its amber lights flashing
• improper passing
• improper driving when road is divided into lanes
• going the wrong way on a one-way road
• crossing a divided road where no proper crossing is provided
• crowding the driver’s seat
• driving a vehicle equipped with a radar detector
• improper use of a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane

2 demerit points will be added if you are convicted of:

• improper right turn
• improper left turn
• improper opening of a vehicle door
• prohibited turns
• towing people — on toboggans, bicycles, skis
• unnecessary slow driving
• backing on highway
• failing to lower headlamp beams
• failing to obey signs
• failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing
• failing to share the road
• failing to signal
• driver failing to wear a seat belt
• driver failing to ensure infant/ child passenger is properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system or booster seat
• driver failing to ensure that a passenger less than 23 kg is properly secured
• driver failing to ensure that a passenger under 16 years is wearing a seat belt
• driver failing to ensure that a passenger under 16 years is sitting in a seat that has a seatbelt

Demerit Points Consequences

The demerit points system isn’t just about accumulating points—it comes with consequences that escalate as your point total rises. Here’s what happens based on your point total:

• 2 to 8 Points: You will receive a warning letter if you accumulate 2 to 8 points. This letter serves as a reminder to drive more carefully to avoid further penalties.
• 9 to 14 Points: If you accumulate between 9 and 14 points, you will receive a second warning letter. At this stage, you may be required to attend a demerit point interview to discuss your driving behaviour.
• 15 or More Points: If you reach 15 demerit points, your driver’s licence will be suspended automatically. The suspension lasts for 30 days for a fully licensed driver, and you must surrender your licence to the Ministry of Transportation. If you fail to do so, you could face additional penalties, such as an extended suspension.

For new drivers, the penalties are stricter:

• 6 points: You will receive a warning letter.
• 9 points: Your licence will be suspended for 60 days.
• After reinstatement: If you accumulate more points within 6 months of getting your licence back, you may face further suspension.

Major Traffic Offences and Fines in Ontario

Ontario has strict fines for various traffic offences to promote safe driving. Here are some of the major offences and their associated fines:

• Speeding (16-29 km/h over the limit) – $80 to $120
• Speeding (30-49 km/h over the limit) – $150 to $500
• Speeding (50 km/h or more) – $2000 to $10,000 (possible licence suspension)
• Failing to stop for a school bus – $400 to $2000 (first offence)
• Distracted driving (first offence) – $615 to $1000
• Failing to stop at a red light – $325
• Careless driving – $400 to $2000

What Happens after Accumulating 15 Demerit Points?

If you accumulate 15 demerit points, your driver’s licence will be suspended for 30 days for fully licensed drivers and 60 days for new drivers. After this suspension, you will need to reapply to get your licence reinstated, and the Ministry of Transportation may require you to take a driver re-examination (written or road test).

Failure to surrender your licence when it’s suspended could result in a longer suspension or additional fines. After your licence is reinstated, your demerit points will be reduced to 7, giving you another chance to avoid further suspensions.

Drinking and Driving: Why it’s a Criminal Offence

In Ontario, drinking and driving is not only a serious traffic violation but also a criminal offence. Driving under the influence of alcohol (or drugs) is treated harshly due to the high risk it poses to public safety. Here’s what you need to know:

• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): If your BAC is 0.08 or higher, you are considered over the legal limit.
• Immediate Consequences: If caught drinking and driving, your licence can be immediately suspended for 90 days, and your vehicle may be impounded for 7 days.
• Criminal Charges: Driving with a BAC over 0.08 or refusing a breath test can lead to criminal charges, fines starting from $1000, and possible jail time.
• Consequences: A criminal record, higher insurance premiums, loss of employment opportunities, and additional licence suspensions can follow a DUI conviction.

The penalties for drinking and driving are severe because of the dangers posed to all road users, making this a significant offence under both traffic laws and criminal law.

Red Light Camera Tickets in Ontario

Running a red light is a dangerous driving violation. In Ontario, many intersections are equipped with red light cameras to automatically capture vehicles that fail to stop at red lights.

How Do Red Light Camera Tickets Work?

• Cameras are placed at high-risk intersections: When a vehicle runs a red light, the camera captures images of the vehicle and its licence plate.
• The registered owner of the vehicle receives the ticket: Regardless of who was driving, the vehicle owner is liable for the ticket.
• No demerit points: Since the camera cannot identify the driver, red light camera tickets don’t add demerit points to your record.
• Fine: The fine for running a red light is $325, which includes a victim fine surcharge.

Parking Tickets in Ontario

While parking violations are less serious than moving violations, they still come with fines and penalties. Parking tickets are issued for a variety of offences, including:

• Parking in a no-parking zone.
• Parking without a valid permit (for permit-required zones).
• Parking in an accessible spot without a permit.

How do parking tickets work?

• Issued by municipal bylaw officers: Tickets are usually placed on the windshield of the vehicle, but they can also be mailed.
• Fine amounts vary by municipality: In Toronto, for example, fines for parking violations typically range from $30 to $450, depending on the severity of the violation.
• Common fines: Parking without a valid permit or in a restricted zone can result in a fine of $30 to $100. Parking in a designated accessible spot without a permit can lead to fines of $300 to $450.

If you receive a parking ticket, you must pay the fine or contest it within the deadline specified on the ticket. Ignoring a parking ticket can result in increased fines or other penalties, such as the inability to renew your vehicle registration.

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Stay informed, drive safely, and respect Ontario’s traffic laws to keep yourself and others safe on the road.