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8 minute read Published on Nov 26, 2023 by BrokerLink Communications
Drivers in Ontario tend to have a lot of questions about demerit points, some of our content aims to answer their questions, How long do demerit points last? or Do red light camera tickets result in demerit points?. Today, we are answering a different but equally important question in regards to demerit points to allow drivers to understand how demerit points are earned and where to find out how many you have, keep reading.
The demerit point system in Ontario is used to hold drivers accountable for their actions and to encourage drivers to drive safely. If you receive a ticket, such as a speeding ticket or careless driving ticket, you may get demerit points along with a fine. Demerit points are assigned when a driver commits an infraction. The more serious the infraction, the more demerit points you may receive. Points typically range between two and seven per infraction. If you’ve never been charged with a driving infraction or received a ticket, then you will have zero demerit points. This is because all drivers start with zero demerit points. You only gain points by breaking laws under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
To check how many demerit points you have, you will need to obtain a copy of your driving record. Driving records can be obtained online or in person at a ServiceOntario centre and the cost of obtaining one varies. Generally speaking, requesting any of the following types of driving records will confirm if you have any demerit points, and if so, how many. By requesting either a three-year driver’s record, five-year driver’s record, extended driver’s record or a complete driver’s record you can confirm the amount of demerit points you have.
Please note that the maximum number of demerit points you can have in Ontario varies depending on the classification of driver’s licence you have. For example, there are many G1 licence restrictions, which means that G1 drivers have a lower maximum threshold for demerit points. However, for the average driver with a full G licence, the maximum number of demerit points you can receive before your licence is suspended is 15. The following is a list of what will happen when you reach the following amount of demerit points:
The rules are slightly different for young drivers who only have their G1 or G2 driver’s licence in Ontario. To shape new drivers into safe and responsible motorists, the maximum number of demerit points a G1 or G2 driver can receive before their licence is temporarily suspended is 9. Keep reading for a complete breakdown of the different stages of demerit point penalties below:
Understanding which types of driving infractions will earn you demerit points and which won’t, as well as how many demerit points you can expect to receive in the event of different infractions is incredibly useful information. Below is a list of different types of driving infractions and the demerit points you may incur as a result:
The good news is that not all types of tickets will result in demerit points. For example, parking tickets do not come with demerit points, nor will they impact your auto insurance premium,learn more about the different types of auto insurance by contacting BrokerLink. That said, other types of tickets, like speeding tickets, can result in demerit points. The number of points you receive will directly correlate to the speed at which you were travelling at the time of the incident. The following is a list of the demerit points that may be assigned based on your speed:
Distracted driving comes in many forms, with texting and driving being one of the most popular. Given that distracted driving is illegal in Canada, if you choose to engage in this act and are caught, you could receive a fine, as well as demerit points. The number of demerit points that will be issued to you depends on whether it is your first, second, or a subsequent distracted driving infraction:
Please note that G1 and G2 drivers will not receive demerit points for distracted driving. However, they can face other penalties, including fines or the temporary suspension or cancellation of their driver’s licence.
You might be surprised to learn that impaired driving does not result in demerit points. This is because impaired driving is a criminal offence in Canada, and as such, it falls under the Criminal Code of Canada. Criminal charges like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have much more serious consequences than demerit points, including jail time and licence suspension.
Driving without a seatbelt is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. As such, you can receive two demerit points for failing to wear a seatbelt. It is worth noting that a driver can receive two demerit points if they are caught not wearing a seatbelt. However, they can also receive two demerit points if a passenger in the car who is under 16 years of age is not wearing a seatbelt.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has a complete list of infractions or offences that can result in demerit points. The list is broken down according to the number of demerit points that may be issued and is as follows:
Many drivers wonder if receiving demerit points will impact their car insurance premiums. The reality is that it will. Demerit points impact your driving record, as if you receive a demerit point, it means that you’ve committed an infraction. Committing an infraction, whether major or minor, can impact your rates. Just like how accidents affect car insurance rates, demerit points do as well. If you want to find out how much your insurance policy may go up after receiving demerit points, contact BrokerLink. We can provide you with a complimentary car insurance quote today.
If you want to know more about Ontario’s demerit point system and how it may impact your auto insurance rates, reach out to BrokerLink. We have a team of licensed car insurance specialists that can help you with any of your auto needs. From explaining Ontario’s demerit point system in greater detail to helping you renew your licence in Ontario, we are here. We can even help with tasks like getting a new drivers licence when moving or outlining what documents you need for car insurance. To begin your auto insurance journey today, contact BrokerLink.
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