Can you get your driving record cleared?

If you operate a motor vehicle in Ontario and hold a valid driver's licence, you'll also have an Ontario driving record. Your driving record, also known as a driver's abstract, outlines when your licence was first issued to you and any other driving convictions thereafter.

If you live in Ontario and have convictions on your driving records, you may be wondering whether or not it's possible to clear these convictions and have a clean driving record moving forward. To learn more about whether or not this is possible, check out our guide below.

What does it mean to have a clean driving record?

Having a clean driving record means you have no driving convictions. In other words, you drive safely, follow the rules of the road as set out by the Motor Vehicle Act, and have never been issued a traffic ticket for which you've been convicted.

How long do infractions stay on your driving record?

How long an infraction remains on your driving record depends on the severity of the violation:

• Minor infractions: Minor infractions, like ones for speeding or failing to signal your intent, typically remain on your driving record for 3 years.
• Major infractions: Major infractions, such as distracted driving or reckless driving, will remain on your driving record for 6 years.
• Criminal offences: Criminal offences that result in a criminal conviction, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, remain on your record permanently. Because of this, it can impact future insurance rates, employment, and your ability to travel to certain countries.

Further, if you accumulate too many demerit points on your driver's licence, there's a possibility that you could face a licence suspension. How many points you need to accumulate on your record before your license suspension will vary between provinces. But remember, the more severe the violation, the more demerit points you'll get. So, it's important to be mindful of your local traffic laws and actively commit to being a responsible driver to ensure your privileges aren't revoked.

How can I check my driving record?

Many drivers in Ontario may require their driving record, whether for a new job, curiosity, checking demerit points, or other reasons. If you need a copy of your driver abstract or other Ontario driving record (yes, there are different types), you can check your driving record by following these steps:

1. Choose the type of driving record you need.
2. Log onto the Ontario Service Centre website or visit a centre in person.
3. Order a copy of your driving record and pay the fee.

Note that an Ontario driver abstract costs $12. Service Ontario offers a certified driver's abstract for $18. A comprehensive driver's record costs $48 if it is uncertified and $54 if it is certified.

Can I clear my bad driving record?

When it comes to clearing your driving record in Ontario, you really only have two options:

Wait it out

Most of the time, you'll need to wait out your driving infractions that are listed on your driving record. Depending on the type of infraction you receive, these usually remain on your license for three years to six years. Once time has passed, you'll have a clean record. Sometimes, you can wait less if you take accredited driving courses or take remedial driving instruction.

Go to traffic court

If you believe the driving ticket you received is unfair, you can go to traffic court with a lawyer. If you win, you will have your points removed, and you will not have to pay the ticket fee. However, if you lose, the conviction will be added to your driving record, and you will likely need to pay more than the original ticket.

How to improve your driving record faster

If you've received more than one speeding ticket and other violations on your driving record, you'll need to take proactive steps to reduce your penalties and improve your record:

Defensive driving courses

One way to improve your record is to enrol in a defensive driving course. Most car insurance companies offer discounts to customers for completing a valid driving course, given that these courses teach safe driving habits and are intended to prevent future violations. Depending on the program, you may also be able to remove some of the penalties on your license.

Good driving behaviour

Following traffic laws contributes to good driving behaviour, which, over time, will improve your record. A safe driving history is often looked at by insurance companies when renewing your car insurance, lowering your risk profile and offering better insurance rates.

Ticket reduction programs

Some municipalities offer ticket reduction programs. These programs allow drivers to negotiate reduced penalties or alternative solutions like attending a driving course instead of paying for the fine.

Record appeal process

If you believe that an infraction you received is unfair or incorrect, you can dispute the decision. Note that disputing doesn't necessarily mean the infraction will be removed.

Can you get a pardon for a criminal driving offence?

If a driver has a criminal driving offence, they can apply for a record suspension, which used to be called a pardon. The application needs to be made through the Parole Board of Canada. A minimum of 5 years for summary offences and 10 years for indictable offences must pass before the driver can apply to the parole board.

Not all offences will qualify, and drivers need to show rehabilitation to be considered. For example, the driver needs to prove that they have made efforts to reintegrate into society and be a safe driver.

Additionally, even if the record suspension has been approved when purchasing a car insurance policy, an insurance company may still consider past convictions when calculating your insurance rates. This is because a clean driving record doesn't necessarily guarantee lower premiums. Insurance companies use numerous factors to determine rates, including historical driving data, which also plays a role in your rates.

How driving records affect future job applications

Depending on the employment role you're applying for and whether operating a motor vehicle is part of the job description, your driving record may be reviewed. Any major violations like reckless driving or DUIs can disqualify you from these positions, as it will call into question your ability to perform your job safely.

That said, if you have a minor infraction like a ticket for speeding, some employers may overlook this, especially if you've since attended a defensive driving course and haven't received any other tickets.

Do insurance providers look at your driving record when calculating your insurance premium?

Yes, like we said, when calculating your car insurance costs, an insurance provider will look at your driving record along with other aspects to determine your risk level and how much you'll pay for coverage.

Types of traffic tickets in Ontario

According to the Ontario government, there are three categories of violations you can receive when operating your motor vehicles:

Minor traffic violations

A minor violation is not the most serious offence you can be charged with. That said, you can still get fined and have demerit points added to your licence. Minor infractions include speeding, not stopping at a stop sign, driving with too many people in the car (more people than seatbelts), and improper use of brakes.

Major traffic tickets

As the name suggests, major traffic convictions are more severe, as they put you and others on the road at risk. Ontario drivers who perform the following behaviours can be charged with a major offence:

• Not reporting a car accident.
• Passing a school bus.
• Distracted driving (texting, using your navigation system, etc.)
• Speeding in a school zone or playground.
• G1 Ontario drivers who do not have a fully licensed driver with them.

Criminal offences

In Ontario, if you receive a criminal conviction, you can anticipate hefty fines, jail time, and more, given the severity of these offences. Common criminal behaviours include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
• Driving without valid insurance.
• Fleeing the scene of an accident.
• Refusing to get a breathalyzer test from a police officer.
• Operating a car with a suspended driver's licence.

As these types of driving offences are convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada, you will have a criminal record moving forward. Additionally, criminal convictions stay on your Ontario driving record forever, which could impact your ability to get car insurance.

Understanding demerit points and how they work

Ontario operates under a demerit point system, which tracks all drivers' infractions. Each violation correlates to a certain number of points:

• 9 to 14 points: This will result in a warning letter from the Ministry of Transportation.
• 15+ points: If you have a full license and have 15 points or more, you may have your license suspended.

To avoid this threshold, take approved driving courses, as it can help reduce your points faster.

Does an accident affect your insurance?

If you've been in your first collision, you may be wondering, "Does an accident affect your insurance?" The short answer is yes--an accident will impact your insurance rates. However, the extent of the impact will depend on who is at fault, the total cost of your insurance claim, and your previous driving history. If your insurance provider does not judge you to be at fault, your coverage may remain the same. However, even when you are at fault in an accident and have not submitted a claim to your insurance in a long time, the impact may be relatively small.

How long do demerit points stay on your record in Alberta?

When you are found guilty of a traffic violation, you will receive demerit points on your driving record. Getting too many demerit points can lead to a licence suspension and, based on the traffic violation, higher insurance rates. With time, your demerit points will be removed from your record. So, how long do demerit points stay on your record in Alberta? You can expect these points to be on your record for up to two years before they will be removed. However, completing an approved defensive driving course can help you eliminate between two and three points from your driving history before the two years.

Protect your interests behind the wheel with customized car insurance

To ensure you're safe while driving, ensure you have the following types of car insurance policies:

• Third-party liability car insurance (mandatory)
• Accident benefits coverage (mandatory)=
• Uninsured automobile insurance (mandatory)
• Collision car coverage (optional)
• Comprehensive car coverage (optional)
• Accident forgiveness (optional)

Contact BrokerLink for auto coverage

At BrokerLink, we help drivers get affordable car insurance. We've got access to some of Canada's top providers and policies, allowing us to customize your plan to fit your needs and budget. If you're interested in saving on your auto insurance and qualify for savings like the safe driver discount, come work with a broker in person at one of our many locations.

If we're not in your area, feel free to contact us over the phone. Alternatively, you can determine your auto insurance premium from the comfort of your own home within minutes using our free online quote tool!

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