LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR ALL DRIVING RELATED OFFENCES
SERVICES OVERVIEW
DEMERIT POINT SYSTEM
Ontario/Ottawa Demerit Point System
Drivers convicted of certain driving-related offences in Ontario/Ottawa, including speeding, stunt driving and careless driving, have demerit points recorded on their records. It is a common misconception that drivers "lose" points due to convictions for certain traffic offences. In fact, a driver begins with zero demerit points and accumulates demerit points for convictions. Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date. If you collect enough points, you can lose your driver′s licence. Below is a table outlining the demerit point penalties for driving offences :
DEMERIT POINTS ONTARIO/OTTAWA - OFFENCES
7 Demerit Points
■ Failing to remain at the scene of a collision
■ Failing to stop when signaled/requested by a police officer
6 Demerit Points
■ Careless Driving
■ Racing – Stunt driving
■ Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more
■ Failing to stop for a school bus
5 Demerit Points
■ Driver of a bus failing to stop at an unprotected railway crossing
4 Demerit Points
■ Exceeding the speed limit by 30 to 49 km/h
■ Following too closely
3 Demerit Points
■ Exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h
■ Driving through, around or under a railway crossing barrier
■ Failing to yield the right-of-way
■ Failing to obey a stop sign, traffic light or railway crossing signal
■ Failing to obey the directions of a police officer
■ Driving the wrong way on a divided road
■ Failing to report a collision to a police officer
■ Improper driving when road is divided into lanes
■ Crowding the driver′s seat
■ Going the wrong way on a one-way road
■ Driving or operating a vehicle on a closed road
■ Crossing a divided road where no proper crossing is provided
2 Demerit Points
■ Improper opening of a vehicle door
■ Towing people - on toboggans, bicycles, skis, etc.
■ Failing to obey signs
■ Failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing
■ Failing to share the road
■ Improper right turn
■ Improper left turn
■ Failing to signal
■ Unnecessary slow driving
■ Reversing on a divided high-speed road
■ Driver failing to wear a seat belt
■ Driver failing to ensure that a passenger less than 23 kg is properly secured
■ Driver failing to ensure that a passenger under 16 years is wearing a seat belt
Demerit Points and New Drivers
As a Class G1, G2, M1 or M2 driver, if you get two or more demerit points, you will be sent a warning letter. At six points, you may have to go to an interview to discuss your record. If you don′t attend, your licence may be suspended. At nine points, your licence will be suspended for 60 days. After the suspension, the number of points on your record will be reduced to four. Any additional points could again bring you to the interview level. If you reach nine points again, your licence can be suspended for six months.
Demerit Points and Fully Licensed Drivers Ontario/Ottawa
As a fully licensed driver, if you get six demerit points, you will be informed about your driving record.
At nine points, you may have to go to an interview to discuss your record and give reasons why your licence should not be suspended. You may also have to complete a driver re-examination (vision, knowledge and road tests). If you fail, your licence will be cancelled.
If you fail to attend an interview, or fail to give good reasons for keeping your licence, your licence may be suspended.
At 15 or more points, your licence will be suspended for 30 days from the date you surrender it to the Ministry of Transportation for the first suspension. You can lose your licence for up to two years if you fail to surrender your licence. A driver′s licence may be surrendered at any Driver & Vehicle Licence Issuing Office or mailed to:
Ministry of Transportation
Driver Improvement Office
Building A, Main Floor
2680 Keele Street
Downsview, ON M3M 3E6
After the suspension, the number of points on your record will be reduced to seven. Any extra points could again bring you to the interview level. If you reach 15 points again, your licence will be suspended for six months.
