How Speed Cameras Work
Speed cameras track vehicles using radar and sensors. They detect your speed as you pass through their monitoring area. If you exceed the posted speed limit, the system captures a high-resolution image of your license plate. These cameras operate without a police officer present, making enforcement automatic and continuous.
The cameras work around the clock in designated locations. They trigger at any speed above the limit, even if it’s just a few kilometres per hour over. Although drivers often assume there is a 10 km/h tolerance, the law does not require any leeway. Municipalities may allow a small buffer, but they can also apply strict enforcement, especially in areas where safety is a priority.
Speed Camera Locations in Major Cities in Ontario
Speed cameras are installed in areas where speeding is a frequent problem. Cities place them in high-risk locations, such as school zones and community safety zones, to reduce collisions and protect pedestrians.
You will usually see signs warning you about upcoming cameras. Some cities rotate their cameras to different locations every few months, so the same spots are not monitored year-round. A few municipalities turn off cameras outside school hours, but others enforce speed limits 24/7, regardless of traffic levels.
- City of Toronto
- Peel Region
- York Region
- Durham Region
- Halton Region
- Waterloo Region
- Wellington County
- City of Hamilton
Community Safety Zones
Community safety zones have stricter speed enforcement because they are near schools, parks, or hospitals. Speeding in these areas is a greater risk to pedestrians, especially children and older adults. The province allows municipalities to set lower speed limits in these zones to improve safety.
Fines for speeding in community safety zones are twice as high as regular speeding fines. A ticket in one of these areas costs more for the same speed compared to other roads. Since speed cameras are placed in these zones, any ticket you receive from a camera will have a higher penalty.
Receiving the Ticket
If a speed camera captures your vehicle exceeding the limit, a ticket will be mailed to the registered owner. The envelope will contain details about the violation, including the location, date, time, and recorded speed. A clear photo of your license plate will be included as evidence.
You can expect the ticket to arrive within two to four weeks, but the law allows up to 30 days for delivery. Since speed camera tickets are issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver, they do not affect your driving record or insurance. If someone else was driving your car, you are still responsible for paying the fine.
What is the Fine?
The fine depends on how fast you were driving over the limit. The province sets a base rate per kilometre over, and this rate doubles if the violation happens in a community safety zone. A ticket from a speed camera will always carry this increased penalty because cameras are placed in these zones.
- 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
How Do You Pay?
You can pay a speed camera ticket online, by mail, or in person at a provincial offences court office. The ticket will include instructions on how to complete the payment. Deadlines are strict, and late payments can lead to extra fees or difficulty renewing your vehicle registration.
If your municipality uses the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), you will follow a different process. AMPS treats the fine as an administrative penalty rather than a court matter. You may have the option to request a review, but there is no trial process.
- City of Toronto
- Peel Region:
- York Region
- Durham Region
- Halton Region
- Region of Waterloo
- Wellington County
- City of Hamilton
Can You Fight a Speed Camera Ticket in Ontario?
You have the right to dispute a speed camera ticket, but the chances of success are low. The cameras are checked and tested regularly to ensure they are working properly, and their proper functioning is certified by an officer before tickets are issued. This means there is not much room for dispute.
If you choose to fight the ticket, you can:
- Request a review or hearing, depending on the system your municipality uses.
- Argue that the license plate is not clear in the photo.
- Challenge errors on the ticket, such as an incorrect date, time, or location.
Some municipalities use the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) instead of a court-based process. Under AMPS, you can ask for a review, but there is no option to take the case to trial. This system treats fines as administrative penalties rather than charges under the Highway Traffic Act. The Ontario government allows the use of administrative penalties for speed cameras under Ontario Regulation 355/22.
Some municipalities may reduce fines or extend payment deadlines if you dispute it, but this varies from region to region. If you decide to fight the ticket, be prepared with strong evidence, as general arguments about fairness or the speed limit will not be enough to have the fine dismissed.
Read more about fighting speed camera tickets here
Does it Carry Demerit Points?
Speed camera tickets do not add demerit points to your driving record. Since the system only captures the vehicle’s license plate and not the driver, there is no way to assign points to the person who was behind the wheel. The ticket is issued to the registered owner, but it does not impact their personal driving history.
Demerit points are only given when an officer pulls you over and issues a ticket in person. A speed camera ticket is treated as a fine against the vehicle rather than a charge against a specific driver. While you must pay the fine, your record remains unaffected, and there is no risk of license suspension from accumulating points.
Does it Affect Insurance?
Insurance companies do not receive reports of speed camera violations, so your rates will not increase because of a ticket. The system does not identify who was driving, and insurers only adjust premiums based on violations that appear on a driver’s record.
However, a pattern of unpaid fines can create problems. If you fail to pay, the province may prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. Some insurance providers may also take frequent infractions into account when assessing risk, even though the tickets themselves do not directly affect your premium. If you drive a commercial vehicle, these tickets will appear on the Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) record, which can lead to stricter monitoring or increased
How Does it Affect CVOR?
If you own or operate a commercial vehicle, speed camera tickets can appear on your Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) record. Unlike personal vehicles, where tickets do not affect a driving record, commercial operators are held to stricter standards. Multiple violations can lead to increased scrutiny, penalties, or restrictions on your business operations.
CVOR points are assigned based on the severity of the offence. A history of speed camera tickets can impact your company’s safety rating, which may result in audits or interventions from the Ministry of Transportation. Insurance providers that cover commercial fleets may also review your CVOR record when determining your risk level.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay?
Ignoring a speed camera ticket will not lead to demerit points or license suspension, but it will cause other problems. The province can block your vehicle registration renewal, making it illegal to drive the car until the fine is paid. Unpaid fines can also accumulate late fees, increasing the total amount you owe.
If you continue to ignore the fine, the municipality may send the debt to collections. This can make it harder to resolve the issue and may affect your ability to register other vehicles in the future. Unlike traditional speeding tickets, these fines are treated as financial penalties rather than driving infractions, but failing to pay can still create costly consequences.
Questions About Traffic Tickets? Contact X-Copper
Fighting a traffic ticket can be challenging, whether it’s from a speed camera, a red light violation, or a police officer. Fines, demerit points, and potential insurance increases make it important to understand your options.
X-Copper helps drivers challenge tickets, reduce fines, and protect their records. If you have a ticket and want to know your best course of action, contact X-Copper for professional advice.
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