Getting a Speed Camera Ticket
Speed cameras automatically capture images of vehicles that go over the posted speed limit. If your vehicle is caught speeding, the system records the violation and issues a ticket to the registered owner.
The ticket includes a photo of your vehicle, the date, time, location, and the recorded speed. Unlike traditional traffic stops, there is no direct interaction with law enforcement. The camera system works automatically and follows strict calibration and certification rules to ensure accuracy.
Speed cameras trigger as soon as a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit in the monitored area. They do not rely on officer discretion, and there is no tolerance threshold built into the system. This means that any speed above the limit will get your vehicle recorded.
Some municipalities may choose to allow a small tolerance before issuing a fine, however some may not. The law considers any amount over the speed limit as speeding, regardless of how minor, so municipalities are not required to offer any tolerance.
If you drive over the posted limit, you risk receiving a ticket, even if it’s only by a small margin.
You can read our full guide on speed camera tickets here
Can You Fight a Speed Camera Ticket in Ontario?
Your chances of successfully dismissing a speed camera ticket are low. These cameras undergo regular testing and certification to ensure they function properly, and officers review the images before issuing tickets. Overall, this leaves little room for error or argument.
The process of disputing the ticket depends on the municipality. Some municipalities require you to take the matter to court, while others use the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), where you request a review instead of a trial.
If your case goes to court, you can request a trial or meet with a prosecutor for an early resolution. Hiring a paralegal or traffic ticket expert may help, but success is not guaranteed.
If the municipality uses AMPS, you submit a request for a review instead of going to court. A screening officer or hearing officer will examine the case. This system moves faster than the court process but provides fewer legal options. The Ontario government allows the use of administrative penalties for speed cameras under Ontario Regulation 355/22.
Possible reasons to dispute a ticket:
- The ticket contains incorrect details, such as the wrong license plate number.
- The photo evidence is unclear or obstructed.
- Road signs indicating the speed limit were missing or not visible.
- A technical issue with the camera, though this is rare due to regular maintenance and certification.
In both cases, municipalities may decide to lower the fine or offer more time to pay, but chances of getting it fully dismissed are low.
Fighting a speed camera ticket is difficult, but you still have the right to challenge it. Before deciding, check the ticket for errors, consider whether you have valid grounds, and understand the process your municipality follows.
Read more about fighting speed camera tickets here
What Are the Fines?
The amount you pay depends on how much over the speed limit you were driving. Ontario applies a per-kilometre fine structure:
- 1–19 km/h over: $5/kmh (in a community safety zone), plus victim fine surcharge
- 20–29 km/h over: $7/km (in a community safety zone), plus victim fine surcharge
- 30–49 km/h over: $12.00/km (in a community safety zone), plus victim fine surcharge
Fines are automatically double if you are caught speeding in a Community Safety Zone. Since all speed cameras are installed in these zones, every ticket that comes from a speed camera comes with a doubled fine compared to regular speeding tickets outside of community safety zones.
Does it Affect Insurance?
Speed camera tickets do not impact your insurance rates because they are issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver. They do not go on your driving record, so insurers do not see them when reviewing your history.
Unlike a ticket from a police officer, a speed camera ticket does not come with demerit points or indicate that you were personally behind the wheel. The fine applies to the license plate, not an individual. However, if you ignore the ticket, the province will refuse to renew your license plate sticker until you pay.
The only exception is for commercial vehicle operators with a CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration), where speed camera violations can affect the company’s safety record.
Does it Carry Demerit Points?
Demerit points only apply to tickets issued by police officers because the officer identifies the driver at the time of the stop. Since speed cameras do not record who was driving, they cannot assign demerit points to anyone’s license.
This makes speed camera tickets different from traditional speeding tickets. A regular speeding ticket affects your driving record and could raise your insurance rates, but a speed camera ticket does not. The fine applies to the registered vehicle owner, not an individual driver.
For Commercial Vehicles (CVOR)
If a speed camera captures a commercial vehicle speeding, the ticket is issued to the company or registered owner. Even though no demerit points apply, the CVOR system tracks violations separately. A company that receives multiple speed camera tickets may face consequences, such as a lower safety rating or increased scrutiny from regulators.
Convictions under the CVOR system impact a company’s ability to operate. Too many violations can lead to higher insurance costs, warnings, audits, or even suspension of operating privileges. The Ministry of Transportation monitors these records closely, so commercial vehicle owners must take speed camera tickets seriously.
Questions About Traffic Tickets? Contact X-Copper.
Traffic tickets can lead to fines, demerit points, and higher insurance rates. Some tickets can be disputed, but success depends on the details of the case. X-Copper helps drivers fight traffic violations, from speeding to careless driving. If you have questions or need legal advice, contact X-Copper for a consultation.
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