How Demerit Points Work

The Ontario demerit points system is used to track and penalize drivers who commit traffic offenses. Demerit points are assigned to a driver’s license when they are convicted of certain offenses, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The number of demerit points assigned for an offense varies depending on the severity of the offense.

Here are some common offenses and the number of demerit points that can be assigned for each:

Speeding: 3 to 7 points, depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving
Failing to stop for a school bus: 6 points
Careless driving: 6 points
Failing to remain at the scene of an accident: 7 points
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs: 7 points
If a driver accumulates too many demerit points, their license can be suspended.

Demerit points are entered on the record of drivers who commit certain offences under the Highway Traffic Act. They can also be applied under some municipal by-laws, provincial or federal statutes, or regulations relating to road safety.

Novice drivers in Ontario can accrue up to 8 demerit points, while fully licenced drivers may accumulate up to 14 demerit points. Once you reach 15 demerit points, as a fully licenced driver, or nine demerit points, as a novice driver, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will suspend your driver’s licence for 30 days (full licence) or 60 days (novice licence) for the first demerit point violation. A second demerit point suspension will result in a six-month suspension.

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 stay on your record for two years from the offence date. If you collect enough points, you can lost your driver’s licence.

How are out-of-province demerit points added to a driving record?

When you’re convicted of a driving offence outside your home province, such as in other Canadian territories, New York, or Michigan, those infractions don’t just stay local. They can affect your driving record back home, with demerit points being added just as if the offences had occurred in your own province.

Out-of-Province Traffic Violations

For driving violations committed outside your region, the following offences typically accompany demerit points:

• Exceeding speed limits
• Ignoring stop signs
• Disregarding signal lights
• Not stopping for a school bus
• Engaging in racing activities
• Not staying at or returning to an accident scene
• Reckless and careless driving

Out-of-Province Criminal Offences

Certain serious offences can lead to more severe consequences, like a suspension of driving privileges. These offences include:

• Vehicular manslaughter
• Criminal negligence on the road
• Dangerous driving
• Leaving an accident scene
• Driving under the influence
• Driving while banned or disqualified

When these incidents occur outside your province, they can follow you home, impacting your driving record. It’s crucial to drive responsibly, no matter where you are.

If you’re wondering about the criminal offences committed outside of Ontario that can lead to a driving licence suspension, here’s a detailed list:

• Vehicular Manslaughter: Involvement in a fatal accident where you are held responsible can lead to loss of driving privileges.
• Criminal Negligence: Extreme carelessness in operation of a vehicle endangering lives or property will trigger a suspension.
• Dangerous Driving: Operating a vehicle in a manner perceived as unsafe and hazardous to public safety is cause for suspension.
• Leaving the Scene of a Collision: Failing to stop and provide necessary information after an accident could result in your licence being suspended.
• Driving Under the Influence: Any involvement in driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs will lead to consequences, including a suspension.
• Driving While Disqualified or Prohibited: Operating a vehicle when you’re already banned from doing so is a significant offence that ensures a suspension.

These actions, recognized legally as serious infringements, have grave consequences beyond just licence suspension and are part of broader traffic safety regulations. Remember, staying informed and abiding by the law is crucial, no matter where you drive.

If you are facing a first-time stunt driving offence in Ontario, it is crucial to seek legal counsel from a POINTTS™ Traffic Ticket Specialist. By hiring a Traffic Ticket Specialist, you can receive expert guidance on your legal options and protect your rights in court. They can also help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive a fair trial.

Furthermore, with the help of a Traffic Ticket Specialist, you may be able to reduce the penalties associated with a first-time stunt driving offence and avoid some of the long-term implications of such a conviction. These implications may include hefty fines, mandatory license suspensions, vehicle impoundment, demerit points, increased insurance rates, and even a criminal record.

Overall, hiring a Traffic Ticket Specialist from POINTTS™ can be an excellent investment in your future, as it can help you minimize the consequences of a first-time stunt driving offence and protect your livelihood and well-being.

Read more about How to Fight Traffic Tickets

If you are facing a first-time stunt driving offence in Ontario, it is crucial to seek legal counsel from a POINTTS™ Traffic Ticket Specialist. By hiring a Traffic Ticket Specialist, you can receive expert guidance on your legal options and protect your rights in court. They can also help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive a fair trial.

Furthermore, with the help of a Traffic Ticket Specialist, you may be able to reduce the penalties associated with a first-time stunt driving offence and avoid some of the long-term implications of such a conviction. These implications may include hefty fines, mandatory license suspensions, vehicle impoundment, demerit points, increased insurance rates, and even a criminal record.

Overall, hiring a Traffic Ticket Specialist from POINTTS™ can be an excellent investment in your future, as it can help you minimize the consequences of a first-time stunt driving offence and protect your livelihood and well-being.