📘 What Are Demerit Points?

In Ontario, demerit points are assigned to your driving record when you're convicted of certain traffic offences under the Highway Traffic Act. These points serve as a tool to monitor and encourage safe driving behaviours. It's important to note that demerit points are not "lost" over time; instead, they remain on your record for two years from the date of the offence. 

⚖️ How Demerit Points Affect You

Accumulating demerit points can lead to various penalties, depending on your driver's licence class:

For Fully Licensed Drivers (G Class):

• 6 to 8 points: You will receive a warning letter.

• 9 to 14 points: A second warning letter may be issued, and you might be required to attend a driver improvement interview.squareone.ca

• 15 or more points: Your licence will be suspended for 30 days.

For Novice Drivers (G1, G2, M1, M2):

• 2 to 5 points: A warning letter will be sent.

• 6 to 8 points: A second warning letter may be issued, and you might be required to attend a driver improvement interview.squareone.ca

• 9 or more points: Your licence will be suspended for 60 days.

These penalties are part of Ontario's escalating penalties program, which aims to promote safe driving habits. ontariodriversabstract.com

📜 Common Offences and Their Demerit Points

The number of demerit points assigned varies based on the severity of the offence. Here's a breakdown of common traffic violations and their corresponding demerit points:

• 7 points: Failing to remain at the scene of a collision, failing to stop when signaled by a police officer.ontario.ca

• 6 points: Careless driving, racing, exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more, failing to stop for a school bus.ontario.ca

• 5 points: Failing to stop at an unprotected railway crossing (for bus drivers only).ontario.ca

• 4 points: Exceeding the speed limit by 30 to 49 km/h, following too closely, failing to stop at a pedestrian crossover.ontario.ca

• 3 points: Using a hand-held wireless device while driving, exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h, driving through a railway crossing barrier, driving the wrong way on a divided road, failing to yield the right-of-way, disobeying a stop sign or traffic signal, failing to obey the directions of a police officer, failing to report a collision, failing to slow and carefully pass a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing amber lights.ontario.ca

• 2 points: Improper right or left turn, improper opening of a vehicle door, prohibited turns, towing people on toboggans or skis, unnecessary slow driving, backing on a highway, failing to lower headlamp beams, failing to obey signs, failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing, failing to share the road, failing to signal, failing to wear a seatbelt, failing to ensure an infant or child passenger is properly secured.ontario.ca

This chart is based on information from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

🌍 Out-of-Province Offences

Demerit points can also be added to your Ontario driving record if you're convicted of a driving offence in other Canadian provinces, the State of New York, or the State of Michigan. These points are applied as if the offence occurred in Ontario. 

🛡️ Impact on Insurance

While demerit points themselves do not directly affect your car insurance premiums, the underlying driving convictions can. Insurance companies consider convictions from the past three years when determining your rates. Therefore, accumulating demerit points that lead to convictions can result in higher insurance premiums. 

🧠 Tips to Avoid Accumulating Demerit Points

• Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with traffic laws and regulations.

• Drive Defensively: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards.

• Avoid Distractions: Refrain from using mobile devices or engaging in other distractions while driving.

• Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Always stop at stop signs, obey traffic lights, and follow posted speed limits.

• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

📞 Need Assistance?

If you've accumulated demerit points or have questions about your driving record, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the complexities of Ontario's demerit point system and assist you in maintaining a clean driving record.