Regardless of whether you're a new driver in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, or another Canadian province or territory, getting caught speeding is a serious offence that could lead to several consequences. So, what exactly happens when you fail to follow the posted speed limit? Stick around to learn more.
The definition of "new driver"
In Canada, new drivers are considered those who have less than two years of driving experience. However, when it comes to some insurance companies, a new driver is considered someone with less than five years of experience. On the other hand, experienced drivers are typically those who have ten years.
How many penalty points can you get as a new driver caught speeding?
Penalty points, also known as demerit points, are given to drivers in Canada who are caught going above the posted speed limit, being on their mobile phone and driving, excessive speeding, and other driving offences. After receiving a certain amount of penalty points on your driver's licence, you'll likely have your licence revoked and your driving privileges suspended. For a more serious driving offence listed in the Canadian Criminal Code, you could face jail time if you are found guilty by the courts.
The number of penalty points can vary depending on where the learner driver or new driver is caught and how much they were travelling over the speed limit, here's a closer look at penalty points for speeding tickets in Ontario:
| Speed Range |
Penalty Points |
| Speeding 15km/h or less |
Zero penalty points |
| Speeding 16km/h to 29km/h |
Three penalty points |
| Speeding 30km/h to 49km/h |
Four penalty points |
| Speeding more than 50km/h |
Six points |
Demerit points will remain on your licence for up to six years.
What happens if you get a speeding ticket with your N in BC?
If you are caught speeding in BC with your N, you will receive a fine, and a driving ban for up to six months. Additionally, Depending on how fast your vehicle was going, you will receive anywhere between two and six points on your license.
Can new drivers dispute penalties and tickets?
New drivers who are issued a ticket by a police officer while driving can dispute their fines in court. Keep in mind that to dispute a fine, you usually have within a 30-day period to do so.
How much are the fines for tickets?
Beyond points on your licence, new drivers will also face hefty fines for speeding-related offences. The fines you receive will vary based on how fast you were driving and where you were travelling at the time of the offence. For example, going over the limit in a school zone will typically yield more expensive fines, given the risk it poses. In British Columbia, the fine for a school zone is $253 while a fine for going over the speed limit on the highway is $196.
Why are following speed limits necessary?
Some of the most common car accidents that occur in Canada are due to a driver's failure to follow the posted speed limit. Not following speed limits can impact your reaction time and lead to serious repercussions that impact other vehicles.
Do speeding offences impact car insurance rates?
When it comes to new drivers and speeding, you may have some questions about speeding tickets and insurance rates. New drivers who are caught speeding and charged with a speeding offence can not only expect penalties on their driver's licence but also higher premiums the next time they're up for an expired car insurance renewal.
Auto insurance policies you need
Regardless of whether you're a new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, if you intend to operate a motor vehicle on public roads, you'll need to carry valid car insurance. While the coverage minimums required will vary depending on the province or territory you live in, you can purchase additional options to supplement your overall protection level. Here's a closer look at the types of auto insurance you will need:
Does a speed camera ticket impact insurance rates?
In addition to a standard speeding ticket, there are speed camera tickets. So, will a speed camera ticket affect insurance? No, this type of speeding ticket will not affect your car insurance premiums. Because the camera isn't able to prove who was driving the vehicle at the time the speed was recorded, they aren't able to penalize you.
Do I need to report a car accident?
Whether or not reporting a car accident is legally required will depend on the severity of the accident at hand and which province or territory the accident occurred in. In most cases, if you're involved in an accident and injuries have occurred, a pedestrian is involved, and the damages between all vehicles are extensive, calling law enforcement is legally required. Keep in mind, however, that this isn't a full list of requirements. You will need to look at the regulations for the area you reside in to ensure you understand your legal obligations.
How do you report an accident?
Once you've determined that the circumstances of the collision are severe enough that calling the police is a legal requirement, you may be wondering, how do you report a car accident? After calling authorities, you'll need to exchange information with the other parties involved and document any injuries or damages. Once law enforcement has arrived, they will interview all parties and create a report, which you will need to request a copy of. Afterwards, you'll need to contact your insurance company and inform them of the accident. At this time, you'll be able to open an insurance claim with an agent who will walk you through the next steps.
How can I check how many demerit points I have in Ontario?
The number of demerit points you have can serve as a stain on your driving history and impact your premiums when you're renewing car insurance. So, how do you go about checking your demerit points in Ontario? You can either check your points online at the ServiceOntario website or visit a ServiceOntario location in your area. To get access to your driving record, you'll need to present a copy of your driver's licence and a second piece of personal identification.
What do yellow speed limit signs mean?
Yellow speed limit signs are advisory speed limits meant to warn drivers of potential cautions on the roadway during certain weather conditions like poor visibility or sharp turns. The posted speed is a recommendation for those driving to remain cautious and operate their vehicle with due care during the upcoming stretch of road.
Looking for affordable car insurance? Contact BrokerLink today
While you may have passed your driving test and completed your probationary period, as a new driver, the fact of the matter is, that you pose more of a risk on the road than those who have operated a vehicle for many years. Because of this, practicing safe driving tips and maintaining a speed relative to what is posted on roadway signs is imperative.
At BrokerLink, we understand that as a driver, purchasing affordable insurance that matches your needs is important, which is why we're here to help guide you through the process of choosing multiple auto insurance policies you can feel confident in. Additionally, if you're looking to save even further on your premiums, our brokers can walk you through different car insurance discounts, which can help you save money on your coverage!
With locations across Canada, if BrokerLink is in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to come into one of our offices to work with a broker in person. If we aren't close by, give us a call over the phone and we'll be more than happy to help you! And, if you're simply looking for coverage options, take advantage of our free, online quote tool to get a competitive, customized insurance quote in minutes, right from the comfort of your own home!
Get an auto insurance quote [phone]
