If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Ontario, the real question isn’t “Can I pay it and move on?” — it’s “Should I fight it?”
The answer often lies in insurance impact, demerit points, and long-term costs, not the fine printed on the ticket.
This guide will help you clearly decide which Ontario traffic tickets are almost always worth fighting, which sometimes are, and which usually aren’t — so you can protect both your driving record and your wallet.
Tickets That Are Almost Always Worth Fighting
Speeding Tickets (Especially 16+ km/h Over)
Why fight them:
- Speeding convictions stay on your record for 3 years
- Insurance companies treat them as minor or major convictions, depending on speed
- Even a “reduced” speeding ticket still counts as a conviction
Critical tip: A reduction from 30 km/h over to 15 km/h over may lower the fine — but not the insurance damage.
Verdict: Worth fighting, especially if you already have tickets or rely on low insurance rates.
Careless Driving
Why fight it:
- One of the most damaging convictions in Ontario
- Heavy fines, 6 demerit points, possible license suspension
- Insurance companies may classify you as high risk
Even a single careless driving conviction can increase insurance dramatically.
Verdict: Always fight. Never plead guilty without legal advice.
Distracted Driving (Cell Phone Use)
Why fight it:
- 3 demerit points
- Heavy fines
- Severe insurance consequences
- Possible license suspension for repeat offences
Many distracted driving tickets rely on officer observation, which can be challenged.
Verdict: Always worth fighting.
Fail to Stop / Red Light / Stop Sign Tickets
Why fight them:
- Demerit points (typically 3)
- Insurance sees these as dangerous driving behaviour
- Can impact commercial or professional drivers severely
These tickets are often issued quickly and may have evidentiary weaknesses.
Verdict: Strongly worth fighting.
Tickets That Are Often Worth Fighting
Fail to Yield
Why fight it:
- Often involves interpretation (who had the right of way?)
- Carries demerit points
- Frequently disputed successfully with proper defense
Verdict: Usually worth fighting, especially if there was no collision.
Following Too Closely
Why fight it:
- Subjective judgment by the officer
- Can significantly affect insurance
- Often lacks objective measurement
Verdict: Often worth fighting, particularly if linked to an accident claim.
Tickets That Are Usually NOT Worth Fighting
Parking Tickets
Why not:
- No impact on insurance
- No demerit points
- Low fines
Unless there’s a clear error (wrong plate, location, or date), fighting usually costs more time than it saves.
Verdict: Usually not worth fighting.
Minor Administrative Offences
Examples:
- Expired permit sticker (when not linked to driving behaviour)
- Minor vehicle equipment issues (e.g., burned-out light)
If quickly resolved and documented, these may not justify court time.
Verdict: Often not worth fighting — unless bundled with other charges.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Judge by the Fine
Many drivers make the biggest mistake: They focus on the ticket amount, not insurance impact.
A $110 ticket can easily turn into $3,000–$6,000 in insurance increases over three years.
If a ticket:
- Carries demerit points
- Affects insurance
- Impacts employment or driving privileges
…it’s usually worth fighting or at least getting professional advice.
Final Takeaway
- Fight tickets that affect your record
- Be cautious with early resolution meetings
- Think long-term, not short-term
In Ontario, the smartest drivers don’t ask “Can I pay this?” — they ask “What will this cost me over the next three years?”
Carlos Perdomo, Paralegal
