Demerit Points System in Ontario

What Are Demerit Points?

Some common traffic offences that may result in the accumulation of penalty points include speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using a mobile phone while driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt. The number of points assigned for each offence is usually based on the severity of the violation and the potential risk to road safety. Penalty point systems are designed to encourage drivers to follow traffic laws and regulations, as well as to hold them accountable for their actions on the road. By imposing consequences for violations, authorities aim to reduce the number of accidents and improve overall road safety. In addition to penalties for individual offences, some jurisdictions also have provisions for additional penalties for repeat offenders or those who accumulate a high number of points within a short period. Overall, penalty point systems are an important tool for promoting responsible driving behaviour and reducing the incidence of traffic violations and accidents. By establishing clear rules and consequences for non-compliance, these systems help to create a safer and more orderly environment on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to stay informed about the rules and regulations in their jurisdiction and to drive responsibly to avoid the potential consequences of accumulating penalty points on their licence.

The System in Ontario

In Ontario, demerit points are a system used to track and penalize drivers for traffic violations and offenses. Many offences carries a certain number of demerit points, which are added to the driver's record upon conviction. These points serve as a measure of the severity of the offense and the associated risk posed by the driver. Accumulating too many points can result in consequences such as license suspension, mandatory driver education programs, or even license revocation. Demerit points remain on a driver's record for two years from the date of the offense. The aim of demerit points is to encourage safe driving behavior and deter reckless or careless actions on the roadways.

Do All Traffic Tickets Affect Points?

No, not all traffic tickets add demerit points to your record. Many do, but there are also many that don't, and some have varying levels of demerit points. For instance, speeding, under section 128 of the Highway Traffic Act, has different points for different speeds. If you are charged with speeding up to 15km/h over the limit, there are no points. However, if you are charged with 16-29km/h over, there are 3 points. It then moves to 4 points, and finally, in excess of 50km/h you will receive 6 demerit points. Understand that the higher the number of demerit points, the higher your insurance will probably go, due to the seriousness of the charge itself. Careless driving, for instance, adds 6 demerit points, and you could see an increase of $15,000 per year in your insurance premiums.

How Many Points Will I Receive?

The number of demerit points you receive depends on the offence you have committed. Below is a list of those offences which accumulate demerit points, and the number of points assigned to each offence.

List of Demerit Points

Traffic Offence	Demerit Points
Driver failing to stop when signalled or requested to stop by a police officer	7
Failing to remain at scene of accident	7
Careless driving	6
Exceeding speed limit by 50 km/h or more	6
Failing to stop for school bus	6
Racing	6
Driver of bus or school bus failing to stop at railway crossings	5
Exceeding speed limit by 30 to 49 km/h	4
Failing to obey school crossing stop sign	4
Failing to yield to pedestrian	4
Following too closely	4
Pedestrian crossover	4
Cross divided highway – no proper crossing provided	3
Crowding driver’s seat	3
Drive wrong way – divided highway	3
Driving or operating a vehicle on a closed highway	3
Driving through, around or under railway crossing barrier	3
Driving while holding or using hand-held device	3
Driving with display screen visible to driver	3
Exceeding speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h	3
Failing to move into another lane for emergency vehicle or tow truck – if safe to do so	3
Failing to obey a stop sign, signal light or railway crossing signal	3
Failing to obey directions of police constable	3
Failing to obey traffic control slow sign	3
Failing to obey traffic control stop sign	3
Failing to report an accident	3
Failing to slow down and proceed with caution for emergency vehicle or tow truck	3
Failing to stop – nearest curb – for emergency vehicle	3
Failing to stop – nearest edge of roadway – for emergency vehicle	3
Failing to stop on right for emergency vehicle	3
Failing to yield right of way	3
Following fire department vehicle too closely	3
Improper driving where highway divided into lanes	3
Improper opening of vehicle door	3
Improper passing	3
Improper use of high occupancy vehicle lane	3
Motor vehicle equipped with or carrying a speed measuring warning device	3
Wrong way in one way street or highway	3
Backing on highway	2
Driver failing to ensure child passenger is secured as prescribed	2
Driver failing to ensure infant passenger is secured as prescribed	2
Driver failing to ensure toddler passenger is secured as prescribed	2
Driver failing to properly wear seat belt	2
Driving while child passenger not properly secured	2
Driving while passenger under 16 fails to occupy position with seat belt	2
Driving while passenger under 16 fails to properly wear seat belt	2
Failing to leave one metre while passing bicycle	2
Failing to lower headlamp beam	2
Failing to obey signs prescribed by regulation under subsection 182 (1)	2
Failing to share road	2
Failing to signal	2
Improper left turn	2
Improper right turn	2
Prohibited turns	2
Towing of persons on toboggans, bicycles, skis, etc., prohibited	2
Unnecessary slow driving	2