Driving offences in Ontario can be confusing. This FAQ page provides clear, straightforward answers to help you understand your rights, potential consequences, and how Traffic Ticket Advocates can help protect your driving record.
1. Do I have to fight this traffic ticket alone?
Absolutely not! In most cases, you are not even required to go to court. We will defend you in a professional manner, and can make the court appearance for you so that you don’t have to worry about time off work!
We have won thousands of traffic ticket cases throughout York Region and all over Southern Ontario.
2. How much does a traffic lawyer cost?
The cost of hiring a traffic ticket lawyer depends on the type of charge, whether it is a Part I or Part III offence, and the complexity of the case. Traffic Ticket Advocates offers free consultations and provides clear, upfront pricing so you understand your costs before deciding how to proceed.
3. What’s the difference between a Part I and a Part III offence?
A Part I offence is called an offence notice (ticket) and has an out-of-court settlement (fine) on it, whereas a Part III offence is a “Summons” (has a date on which you must attend court to answer to the charge(s)). Part I matters require you to request a court date (if you want to challenge the ticket); they are often minor offences, and the court penalty is kept at a minimum.
A Part 1 summons may be issued that will not have a set fine and will have the court date at the bottom of the ticket. The Part 1 summons can carry stiffer fines and consequences compared to a Part 1 ticket.
Court penalties for Part III offences are more severe and can involve licence suspensions, jail time, heavy fines, etc.
Some examples of a Part III offence include: Drive without Insurance, Drive Under Suspension, Racing, Fail to Remain at Accident, Speeding over 49kms/hr.
4. How long does driving without insurance stay on your record in Ontario?
A conviction for driving without insurance stays on your record for three years and can lead to extremely high insurance premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage in the future.
5. What happens after you get a speeding ticket in Ontario?
After receiving a speeding ticket, you have 15 days to respond. Paying the fine results in an automatic conviction, demerit points (depending on speed), and potential insurance increases. Choosing to fight the ticket allows you to challenge the charge in court and explore options to reduce or dismiss it.
6. What if you accidentally go through a red light?
Ontario traffic law focuses on whether the offence occurred, not whether it was intentional. Even if you entered the intersection unintentionally, a red light violation can still result in a fine and conviction. Reviewing the circumstances is important before deciding how to respond.
7. What should I do if I lose my ticket?
Once you’ve been issued an offence notice (ticket), your information gets processed by the applicable Court Services Office. So, the charges and the fines involved and the time to pay those fines are recorded at the court, waiting for your response.
Without a response from you or your agent, the court will convict you, and that stays on your driving record for 3 years. You can find out the status of your ticket by inquiring at a provincial court.
8. Is it worth fighting a red light camera ticket?
In many cases, yes. While red light camera tickets do not carry demerit points, they do carry CVOR points for Commercial Motor Vehicles.
9. What is the fine for no CVOR?
Fines for CVOR-related offences vary depending on the nature of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offence. In addition to fines, CVOR violations can negatively impact an operator’s safety rating and lead to audits or further penalties.
10. How many points are on CVOR in Ontario?
Canada’s Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration uses a separate point system from personal demerit points. Points are assigned based on convictions, inspections, and collisions involving commercial vehicles. Accumulating too many CVOR points can lead to monitoring, interviews, or sanctions from the Ministry of Transportation.
11. What is the minimum punishment for careless driving?
Careless driving carries a minimum fine of $490.00, 6 demerit points, and the possibility of licence suspension. Penalties increase significantly if the offence involved an accident, injury, or death.
12. How long does careless driving stay on your record?
A careless driving conviction remains on your driving record for three years and can affect insurance rates for the entire duration.
13. I filed my ticket, but I got convicted. What should I do?
You’ve got 15 days, from the time you found out, to apply to have your matter(s) reopened. The re-opening process requires an affidavit and application brought before a Justice of the Peace (in the designated court).
When a re-opening is granted, the conviction is reversed, and it comes off your driving record, and the court sends you the trial date.
If your reopening is denied, then you must consider an Appeal. This process has more documentation to fill out and needs to be heard in the higher court in front of a Judge. For a consultation on this process, call to speak with someone about your options.
14. I always pay my tickets right away, so why do I have charges on my record?
Paying your ticket automatically finds you guilty of the offence and creates a conviction on your driving record for 3 years. Demerit points are assessed by the Ministry of Transportation, and they go on your record for 2 years from the offence date.
You can obtain your driving record from your local MTO office. It is important to know your options.
15. What does it mean when a driver is impaired?
A driver is considered impaired when alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both affects their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired driving charges are among the most serious offences in Ontario and can carry criminal consequences, licence suspensions, and long-term insurance impacts.
16. What does “novice driver” mean in Ontario?
Novice drivers include those holding G1, G2, M1, or M2 licences. These drivers are subject to stricter rules, lower tolerance for offences, and automatic penalties for certain convictions.
17. How many penalty points can a novice driver receive?
Novice drivers can face suspension with as few as 2 to 6 demerit points, depending on the offence and prior history. Some convictions trigger automatic suspensions regardless of points.
18. What are the restrictions for a novice driver?
Zero alcohol tolerance, passenger limits, and specific driving conditions apply to novice drivers in Ontario. Violating these restrictions can result in immediate suspensions and escalating penalties.
19. I got a ticket for G2 with alcohol > zero. How does that affect my insurance?
A G2 with an alcohol conviction can be very costly! Most novice drivers think they can just pay the fine of $110.00 and be done with it. Not so with this charge!
First of all, they’ll receive an automatic 30-day licence suspension and then be prepared to be treated as an impaired driver by your insurance carrier.
That’s right, your insurance company treats this as a very serious offence.
20. What is the most common penalty for a first-time DUI?
First-time DUI offences often include a licence suspension, fines, mandatory education or treatment programs, and significant insurance increases. Criminal consequences may also apply depending on the circumstances.
21. My fine is $52.50 and zero points, so it won’t affect my record, right?
It can, for up to 3 years! Driving convictions stay on your record for 3 years, even if the conviction has zero demerit points attached. Insurance companies can still use these convictions when assessing your risk level and premiums.
22. Can I get more time to pay my traffic fines?
In some circumstances, yes; however, you will need to file a motion in the court of jurisdiction requesting an extension of time to pay. Once you file this motion, a justice will determine the outcome of your request.
There are stiff penalties for unpaid fines, so it is important to request any extension before the due date.
23. Do I gain points or lose points?
You gain them. After you are convicted of a traffic offence, demerit points are assessed by the Ministry of Transportation and stay on your driving record for 2 years from the offence date. G1 and G2 licences are the most sensitive when it comes to gaining demerit points.
The number of points you stand to gain from a particular offence is not listed on your ticket. Contact us to understand how your offence could affect your record.
24. How do demerit points affect my insurance?
Demerit points themselves do not directly affect insurance, but convictions do. Insurance companies assess risk based on the number and seriousness of convictions on your driving record.
25. Does my New York ticket affect my licence?
Yes. Certain U.S. states have agreements with Ontario, meaning convictions can transfer to your Ontario licence. Once miles are converted to kilometres, the impact can sometimes be greater.
26. Will a 15-mile-per-hour speeding ticket affect my insurance?
Yes. Even a minor speeding conviction can increase insurance rates because convictions remain on your driving record for three years.
27. What if my court date falls within my vacation time?
You may request a change of trial date. You will need to file a Notice of Motion well before your court date and attend court to request the adjournment.
28. Can you guarantee results?
No legal representative can guarantee results. The Law Society of Ontario prohibits guarantees of success to protect the public and maintain ethical standards.
29. What is the Stunt Driving Law in Ontario?
Stunt driving includes extreme speeding, racing, and other dangerous behaviours. Penalties begin immediately with roadside licence suspension and vehicle impoundment.
30. How serious is a stunt driving charge?
Penalties for a stunt driving charge can include heavy fines, licence suspensions, possible jail time, and high-risk insurance classification.
31. What is the Move Over Law in Ontario?
Drivers must slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights.
32. What can I do if I miss my court date?
You should act quickly to determine whether your conviction can be reopened or whether you must appeal.
33. What is Driving under Suspension?
Driving under suspension is a serious offence requiring a court appearance and carries significant fines and possible jail time.
34. What is the fine for driving under suspension?
Fines range from $1,000 to $5,000 for a first offence, along with further licence suspension.
35. When can I talk on my cell phone while driving?
Ontario law prohibits handling handheld devices while driving except for emergency calls such as 911.
36. How many points is a handheld device ticket?
Handheld device tickets carry 3 demerit points for fully licensed drivers and automatic suspensions for novice drivers.
37. Is it worth fighting a cell phone ticket in Ontario?
Yes, in many cases these charges can be challenged depending on the evidence and circumstances.
38. I have a G1/G2 licence, and I paid my ticket. Why is my licence suspended?
Certain offences automatically suspend novice drivers' licences due to stricter rules and point thresholds.
39. Do I have to report a car accident?
If combined damages exceed $5,000 or there are injuries, the accident must be reported to police or a collision reporting centre.
40. What do I do if I get injured in an accident?
You may be eligible for accident benefits or financial compensation depending on the circumstances. It is important to understand your legal rights.