Guides for Ontario drivers
Plain-English guides and articles to help you understand your ticket, your options and what's at stake.
Courts, case law and the point systems
Ontario POA courts and Zoom rooms
Addresses, phone numbers, courtroom Zoom details and prosecutor offices for every Provincial Offences court.
LibraryTraffic case law
Ontario decisions on speeding, careless driving, disclosure, Charter issues and more, searchable by topic.
ScheduleDemerit point schedule
Every Ontario demerit point offence, grouped by points, with the section and the suspension thresholds.
CommercialCVOR points and thresholds
How CVOR points, violation rates, Ministry intervention and safety ratings work for carriers and drivers.
Plain-language guides
Thinking of paying your ticket? Read this first
Why paying a ticket is a guilty plea, what your options are, and how the 15-day deadline works.
GuideFacing a stunt driving charge in Ontario
The speed thresholds, the roadside suspension and impound, penalties on conviction, and how a charge is defended.
GuideWhat a ticket can cost a G1 or G2 driver
How escalating suspensions, lower demerit limits and zero alcohol and drug rules affect new drivers.
GuideDefending a provincial offences charge yourself
What the court's own guide for defendants covers, how a POA trial runs, and where to get the official PDFs.
GuideAppealing or reopening a traffic conviction
When to appeal and when to reopen, the deadlines for each, and what happens to your record in the meantime.
What to do after you get a ticket
The first days after a ticket matter. Here's what we tell every driver.
Don't pay it yet
Paying is a guilty plea and a conviction on your record.
Read every detail
Check your name, vehicle, the alleged speed and limit, date, time, location, court and deadline.
Note the deadline
Most tickets give you 15 days to respond. Missing it can mean a conviction without a hearing.
Write down what happened
Road and weather conditions, traffic, signage and what the officer said. Memories fade fast.
Get advice
Send us a photo of your ticket for a free review before you choose an option.
Your three options
For most Part I tickets (like minor speeding or a stop sign), the back of the ticket gives you three choices.
Pay the fine
The fastest route, but it's a guilty plea. The conviction, any demerit points and the insurance impact all follow.
Early resolution
Meet with the prosecutor to discuss the charge. This can lead to a reduced charge or an agreed outcome without a trial.
Request a trial
Challenge the charge in court. The prosecution must prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, and you get disclosure of the evidence.
Ontario demerit points
Fully licensed drivers start at zero; points are added on conviction. At 15 points, your licence is suspended.
| Offence | Points |
|---|---|
| Failing to remain at the scene of a collision | 7 |
| Careless driving | 6 |
| Stunt driving or racing | 6 |
| Speeding 50 km/h or more over the limit | 6 |
| Failing to stop for a school bus | 6 |
| Speeding 30 to 49 km/h over the limit | 4 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Speeding 16 to 29 km/h over the limit | 3 |
| Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign | 3 |
| Distracted driving (handheld device) | 3 |
| Failing to yield the right-of-way | 3 |
| Improper turn or failing to signal | 2 |
| Driver not wearing a seatbelt | 2 |
| Speeding up to 15 km/h over the limit | 0 |
Novice (G1, G2, M1, M2) drivers face lower thresholds and stricter penalties. Points stay on your record for two years from the offence date. General information only; ask us about your situation. See the full demerit point schedule.
Latest articles
Dangerous Driving vs Careless Driving in Ontario: Key Differences
The words on a ticket can look similar, but one is a provincial offence and the other is a criminal charge.
Read article →
Speeding Ticket in Newmarket? Here's What Happens at Your First Court Appearance
A step-by-step guide to Ontario's Provincial Offences Court, from reading your ticket to trial.
Read article →
Deciding the Fate of Your Ontario Speeding Ticket
Paying is a guilty plea. Here is what to weigh before you decide whether to contest.
Read article →
Traffic Tickets in Ontario: What You Need to Know & How to Fight
Common offences, fines, demerit points, stunt driving and your options to fight.
Read article →Don't pay that ticket yet.
Send us a photo of your ticket for a free, no-obligation review and a flat-fee quote.