Traffic Ticket Offences

Speeding 

​

Speeding violations under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act occur when exceeding posted limits, with fines escalating by speed range (e.g., $2–$10 per km/h over up to 15 km/h, minimum $85 fine). Demerit points range from 0–6 depending on severity; stunt driving thresholds (50+ km/h over) trigger immediate license suspension and vehicle impoundment.

 

Careless Driving

​

Careless driving involves operating a vehicle without due care, endangering others (HTA s. 130). Penalties include $490–$2,000 fines, 6 demerit points, possible jail time up to 6 months, and license suspension; common triggers include distractions or aggressive maneuvers.

​

Disobeying Signs

​

Disobeying traffic signs (stop signs, yield, etc., HTA s. 136/137) carries $110–$325 fines and 3 demerit points. Includes failing to obey control signals or road markings, impacting insurance rates and accumulating toward suspensions.

​

Hand-Held Communication Device

 

Distracted driving via handheld devices (HTA s. 78.1) results in $615–$1,000 fines, 3 demerit points for first offence, doubling for repeats with possible jail. Prohibits touching/using phones even at stops unless hands-free.

​

Seatbelt Violations

​

Failing to wear a seatbelt (HTA s. 106) incurs $90–$200 fines, 2 demerit points for drivers ensuring passengers under 16 comply. Drivers face higher penalties ($240+) for child/infant restraint failures.

 

Driving Under Suspension

​

Driving while license suspended (HTA s. 53) leads to $1,000–$5,000 fines, vehicle impoundment, up to 6 demerit points, and extended suspensions; treated as major offence with criminal implications if repeat.

 

No Insurance

​

Operating without valid insurance (HTA s. 2) mandates minimum $5,000 fines ($10,000+ for repeats), vehicle seizure, no demerit points but significant insurance hikes and plate denial.

​

Failing to Stop

​

Failing to stop at stop signs/red lights (HTA s. 136) results in $260 fines, 3 demerit points; camera tickets for red lights add $325 without points but hit insurance records.

 

Stunt Driving

​

Stunt driving (40–50+ km/h over, racing, HTA s. 172) imposes $2,000–$10,000 fines, 6 demerit points, 30-day license suspension, 14-day vehicle impound; immediate roadside enforcement.

 

Unsafe Turn

​

Unsafe/improper turns (HTA s. 144) carry $110 fines, 2 demerit points; includes U-turns where prohibited or failing to signal/yield during lane changes.

 

Driving Without a Licence

​

Driving without valid licence/permit (HTA s. 7) fines start at $125, potential vehicle impoundment; G1/G2 violations treated similarly with licence class considerations.

 

Failing to Remain

 

Failing to remain at collision scene (HTA s. 200) attracts 7 demerit points, $180–$2,000 fines; escalates to criminal hit-and-run if injuries/damage exceed thresholds.

​

HOV

​

High-Occupancy Vehicle lane misuse (HTA s. 155.1) fines $125–$310, 3 demerit points; requires minimum occupants unless solo-authorized vehicles.

​

Demerit Points

​

Ontario's 15-point system accumulates from convictions (3–7 points per offence); 15 points triggers suspension. Insurance surcharges apply at 3+ points; points stay 2–3 years

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Failing to Stop For a School Bus

​

Passing stopped school bus with lights flashing (HTA s. 189) incurs $400 fines, 6 demerit points; doubled in construction zones with camera enforcement possible.

 

Failure to yield

​

Failure to yield right-of-way (HTA s. 139/140) $110–$490 fines, 3 demerit points; covers intersections, merging, and pedestrian priority.

 

Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian

​

Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (HTA s. 137/140) $200–$400 fines, 3 demerit points; drivers must stop fully for pedestrian signals.

 

Following too Closely

​

Tailgating (HTA s. 158) $170 fines, 4 demerit points; requires safe following distance based on speed/conditions to avoid collisions.

 

​