A common misunderstanding is that poor driving will cause you to lose demerit points. Instead, the opposite is true. In Ontario, drivers start with a clean slate of zero points but can receive demerit points if they are found guilty of breaking traffic laws. Demerit points penalties vary depending on the severity of the offence. These points financially impact your insurance, and in severe cases, cause you to lose your driver’s licence.
Common demerit points penalties can include anything from seat belt infractions, improper turns, or improper use of HOV lanes. They also can be gained by failing to lower headlamps, failing to stop at pedestrian crossings, or operating a hand-held device (phone or tablet) while driving. More serious offences such as failure to stop when signalled by a police officer or leaving the scene of an accident cause a greater number of demerit points and in many cases additional charges.
Demerit points are also stackable, meaning it is possible to receive more than one set of charges at a time. Demerit points also vary depending on your driver’s status, as do their penalties. For instance fully licensed drivers can have their driver’s licenses suspended if they receive 15 or more demerit points, while newer drivers face suspension if they receive more than 9 demerit points. Failure to surrender your licence to suspension can result in the loss of your licence for 2 years.
Did you know: You can also receive demerit points outside of Ontario, including in other provinces or territories as well as in the United States, specifically New York or Michigan.
If you are charged with a traffic offence your first step should always be to contact XPolice Traffic Services. We will work with you to understand your charge and determine your next steps. Our expert team is here to defend you against demerit points. While other lawyers may advise you to simply pay your fine or accept a lesser deal to prevent you going to court, remember if you do this, you are pleading guilty! XPolice will defend your charges and fight for your best outcome! With over 120 of years Canadian legal experience, our team has the experience to fight for you and defend your charges.