The demerit point system in Ontario is used to monitor a driver’s convictions of traffic violations and criminal driving charges.
How Demerit Points are Added to Your Driving Record
Every driver starts out with no demerit points on their driving record. If a driver is convicted of a traffic violation, like failing to obey a stop sign, demerit points may be added to their driving record.
The number of points added to your record depends on the seriousness of the violation. For convictions of less serious, minor traffic offences, including unnecessarily slow driving or failing to obey a railway crossing, you may get two or three demerit points added to your record. For more serious violations, like speeding or careless driving, you may be given up to six demerit points.
Accumulating Demerit Points
Ontario demerit points stay on your driving record for two years from the date of the offence. If you have demerit points on your record, and you receive more demerit points before they expire, the new points are added to the points you already have.
If you accumulate 15 or more demerit points, you may face a driver’s licence suspension by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
Demerit Points & Car Insurance Premiums
Car insurance companies do not determine your insurance rates based on how many demerit points you have. But having too many demerit points may still affect your insurance premiums.
If your driver’s license is suspended due to too many points on your record, your insurance company might deem you to be a high-risk driver. That designation can lead to insurance rate increases of 100% or more.
Accumulating too many demerit points in Ontario has serious consequences. To avoid demerit points, you must defend yourself as best you can against traffic tickets. That’s why you need X-Copper’s experienced team of former police officers and top traffic ticket lawyers and paralegals to fight for the best possible outcome for you.
If you found this post helpful, check out our article “Be prepared – Hire a Speeding Ticket Lawyer”.
