Let’s break down Demerit Points

Ontario Demerit Points System

The Ontario demerit points system is used to track and penalize drivers who commit traffic offenses. Demerit points are assigned to a driver’s license when they are convicted of certain offenses, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The number of demerit points assigned for an offense varies depending on the severity of the offense.

Here are some common offenses and the number of demerit points that can be assigned for each:

Speeding: 3 to 7 points, depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving
Failing to stop for a school bus: 6 points
Careless driving: 6 points
Failing to remain at the scene of an accident: 7 points
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs: 7 points
If a driver accumulates too many demerit points, their license can be suspended.

The Demerit Points System

Demerit points are entered on the record of drivers who commit certain offences under the Highway Traffic Act. They can also be applied under some municipal by-laws, provincial or federal statutes, or regulations relating to road safety.

Novice drivers in Ontario can accrue up to 8 demerit points, while fully licenced drivers may accumulate up to 14 demerit points. Once you reach 15 demerit points, as a fully licenced driver, or nine demerit points, as a novice driver, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will suspend your driver’s licence for 30 days (full licence) or 60 days (novice licence) for the first demerit point violation. A second demerit point suspension will result in a six-month suspension.

How Demerit Points Work

You don’t lose demerit points on your driving record. You start with zero points and gain points for being convicted of breaking certain traffic laws.

Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date. If you collect enough points, you can lost your driver’s licence.

How are out-of-province demerit points added to a driving record?

When you’re convicted of a driving offence outside your home province, such as in other Canadian territories, New York, or Michigan, those infractions don’t just stay local. They can affect your driving record back home, with demerit points being added just as if the offences had occurred in your own province.

Out-of-Province Traffic Violations

For driving violations committed outside your region, the following offences typically accompany demerit points:

Exceeding speed limits
Ignoring stop signs
Disregarding signal lights
Not stopping for a school bus
Engaging in racing activities
Not staying at or returning to an accident scene
Reckless and careless driving

Out-of-Province Criminal Offences

Certain serious offences can lead to more severe consequences, like a suspension of driving privileges. These offences include:

Vehicular manslaughter
Criminal negligence on the road
Dangerous driving
Leaving an accident scene
Driving under the influence
Driving while banned or disqualified

When these incidents occur outside your province, they can follow you home, impacting your driving record. It’s crucial to drive responsibly, no matter where you are.

Penalties for Demerit Points

The consequences for gaining demerit points depend on how many you have added to your driving record.

As a driver with a full licence, if you have:
2 to 8 points:
You will be sent a warning letter.

9 to 14 points:
Your licence could be suspended. You may have to attend an interview to discuss your driving record. At this meeting, you will need to provide reasons why your licence should not be suspended.

If you have to attend an interview, you will get a letter (Notice of Interview) to notify you of the time, date and location of the meeting. If you do not attend, your licence could be suspended.

What Happens After a License Suspension Ends?

Once your license suspension period concludes, there are a few steps you might need to take to get back on the road legally:

Testing Requirements: You could be required to retake several driving tests, including vision, written, and road exams. Successfully passing these assessments is crucial to regaining your driving privileges.
License Reinstatement: Upon passing these tests, your driver’s license will be reinstated. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t the end of your responsibilities.
Points Reduction: Your driving record will undergo some changes.
- If you hold a full license, your demerit points will be reduced to 7.
- For those with a novice license, the points will be decreased to 4.
Duration of Points: These reduced points won’t vanish just yet. They will remain on your driving record for two years. It’s essential to drive carefully during this period.
Future Consequences: Should you accrue additional points during this two-year timeframe, it may necessitate another review or interview. Accumulating too many points again may lead to another suspension, potentially lasting six additional months.

Staying informed and cautious after regaining your license is key to maintaining your driving privileges and avoiding further penalties.

How to Surrender Your Driver’s Licence

If you’re looking to surrender your driver’s licence, there are a couple of straightforward methods you can choose from:

In-Person Submission: Visit any local service centre that handles driver’s licences. This is often the most direct method if you prefer handing over your licence in person.
Mail Submission: Send your licence via mail to the designated address responsible for licence management. Ensure the address is complete and accurate to avoid any processing delays.

Important Note:

You are not allowed to surrender a suspended licence at any DriveTest centres. Make sure to choose the correct method of submission based on your current licensing status.

Novice Drivers

New or novice drivers in Ontario face different consequences for accumulating demerit points on their license compared to drivers with a full license. As a novice driver, penalties can be more severe and can result in license suspension or cancellation under the escalating penalties program.