Ontario Traffic Tickets

What Is A Traffic Ticket?

Traffic tickets in Ontario, also known as citations or fines, are issued by law enforcement officers to drivers suspected of breaking traffic laws. Common violations include speeding, running red lights, making improper lane changes, and distracted driving, which can lead to increased insurance rates.

When a driver receives a traffic ticket in Ontario, it serves as a formal notice of the alleged violation. The ticket includes essential information such as the nature of the offence, the time and location of the incident, and the amount of the fine or penalty associated with the violation.

List Of Ontario Traffic Tickets

Offence	Demerit Points	Insurance Increase	Licence Suspensions
Careless Driving Tickets	6	Yes	– 30-day suspension for novice drivers
Suspended Driving	0	Dramatically	– Mandatory 6 months suspension upon conviction for all drivers
Disobey Police Officer	3	Yes	– No
Fail to Stop for Police	6	Dramatically	– Yes – Mandatory for Novice Drivers – Possible 6 month upon Conviction all others
Drive on Closed Highway	3	Yes	– No
Drive Wrong Way	3	Yes	– No
Fail to Remain	6	Dramatically	– Yes – Novice Drivers – Possible upon Conviction all others
Hand Held Device (Cell Phones)	3	Dramatically	– Yes – Mandatory 3 day Suspension all drivers
Fail to Report Accident	3	Dramatically	– No
Fail to Signal	2	Yes	– No
Fail to Stop for School Bus	6	Dramatically	– Yes – Mandatory for Novice Drivers
Fail to Yield	3	Yes	– No
Fail to Use Low Beam	3	Yes	– No
Fail to Stop for Emergency Vehicles	3	Dramatically	– No
Following too Closely	4	Yes	– Yes – Mandatory for Novice Drivers
G1 Contraventions	3	Yes	– Mandatory Licence Suspension
G2 Contraventions	3	Yes	– Mandatory Licence Suspension
Improper Passing	2	Yes	– No
Improper Turns	2	Yes	– No
No Insurance	0	Yes	– Possible
Fail to Surrender Insurance Card	0	Yes	– No
Improper Use of High Occupancy Lane	2	Yes	– No
Pass off Roadway	2	Yes	– No
Pedestrian Crossovers	2	Yes	– No
Disobey Red Light	3	Yes	– No
Radar Warning Device	3	Dramatically	– No
Racing	6	Yes	– Yes – Mandatory for Novice Drivers – Possible 2 years upon Conviction all others
Fail to Stop for School Bus	6	Dramatically	– 30 day suspension for novice drivers
Speeding	3 to 6	Yes	Speeds over 30km – Mandatory suspension for Novice Drivers – Possible for over 50km/h for all others
Stunt Driving	6	Dramatically	– Yes – Mandatory for Novice Drivers – Possible 2 years upon Conviction all others
Seat Belts	2	Yes	– No
Unnecessary Slow Driving	2	Yes	– No

What Do I Do If I Receive A Traffic Ticket?

If you get a traffic ticket, you typically have three options: pay the fine, request a meeting with a prosecutor for possible negotiation, or contest the ticket in court. Paying means you accept the violation, while a meeting may result in a lower charge. Contesting allows you to present your case, potentially resulting in dismissal or a reduced fine. Here is an overview of each option:

Paying the Fine

If you choose to accept the violation, you can pay the fine using the methods listed on your ticket. By doing this, you acknowledge the infraction, which may result in penalties such as demerit points on your licence and increased insurance premiums.

Seeking an Early Resolution Meeting

An early resolution meeting gives you the chance to discuss your ticket with a prosecutor prior to going to court. This could lead to a possible reduction in the charge or penalty. To initiate this process, follow the guidance provided on your ticket, which will direct you to an online portal or municipal court office.

Challenging the Ticket in Court

Should you believe the citation was unjust, or if you possess a solid defence, you may opt to contest the ticket in court. This option requires you to set a trial date and present your case before a judge or jury. It’s advisable to consult with a paralegal or lawyer who specializes in traffic law to strengthen your position. Be sure to collect any relevant evidence that can support your case during the court proceedings.

What Happens If I Don’t Pay For A Traffic Ticket?

If you fail to pay the fine imposed upon conviction by the due date, there may be several consequences, including:

• The Ontario Ministry of Transportation may refuse to validate your vehicle registration and suspend your driver’s licence.
• Your driver’s licence may be suspended, and you may be required to pay a reinstatement fee as set by the Ministry of Transportation.
• You may be unable to renew your licence plate.
•  Additional collection costs may be incurred.
• The debt may be reported to the Credit Bureau, which could impact your credit rating.
• Your case could be referred to a private collection agency for formal collection proceedings.
• The fine may be collected through further court action, including small claims court, a writ of seizure and sale, or wage garnishment.
• The amount owed may be added to the municipal tax roll.
• An additional administrative fee may be charged.

Be sure to check your traffic tickets online to ensure you paid on time.

Is It Worth Fighting A Traffic Ticket In Ontario?

Yes, it is worth fighting a traffic ticket to lower fines and limit the impact on your driving record. Every individual has the right to contest a traffic ticket. Exercising this right ensures that you are not subjected to unfair penalties and that your legal protections are upheld. Fighting a ticket can be beneficial for the following reasons:

Prevent Points on Your Driving Record

Accumulating points on your driving record can have serious consequences, such as licence suspension. Challenging a traffic ticket can help you avoid these points and maintain a clean record.

Save Money by Reducing Fines

Traffic tickets often come with significant fines that can strain your finances. Contesting the ticket might reduce or even eliminate these fines.

Safeguard Your Driving Record

A clean driving record can be essential for job opportunities and insurance rates. Successfully contesting a ticket helps you keep your record pristine.

Address Potential Mistakes

Errors can occur during traffic stops. Whether it’s miscalibrated equipment or judgment calls made by officers, contesting the ticket gives you the opportunity to challenge these potential mistakes.

Keep Your Insurance Premiums in Check

Traffic tickets can lead to higher insurance premiums. By contesting the ticket, you may have a chance to get it dismissed or reduced, thereby helping to keep your insurance costs lower.

Avoid Additional Requirements

Some traffic tickets may require you to attend traffic school. By contesting the ticket, you may be able to avoid this requirement, saving you time and money.

JUSTICEJOLT Traffic Ticket Defence Services Can Help You Fight Traffic Tickets

It’s important to seek legal advice promptly after receiving a ticket, particularly if you intend to dispute the charges and appeal the traffic ticket. Traffic ticket defence paralegals and lawyers at JUSTICEJOLT are knowledgeable about traffic law and can also offer significant support with disclosure and your defence strategy. Here’s how we can help:

Understanding the Costs of Legal Assistance

While hiring a lawyer or paralegal involves expenses, these can often be offset by the savings from avoiding fines, demerit points, and higher insurance rates.

Potential Outcomes: Dismissals or Reduced Charges

Successfully contesting a traffic ticket may result in a dismissal, a reduction to a lesser offence, or a reduced penalty.

Mastering the Disclosure Process

Lawyers and paralegals provide essential support by efficiently navigating the disclosure process, which is pivotal for crafting a solid defence. They help you obtain and comprehend the disclosure package, including vital documents that can influence your case.

Detailed Review of Disclosure Materials

By thoroughly analyzing the disclosure, lawyers and paralegals pinpoint potential flaws in the prosecution’s case. This includes identifying errors on the ticket, missing information, or evidence that may not be credible.

Strategic Negotiations with Prosecutors

When the disclosure reveals weaknesses, experienced lawyers and paralegals can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce charges or penalties, and sometimes even secure a dismissal of the ticket.

Court Representation

Your paralegals can represent you in court, effectively presenting your case and defending your interests.

Early Resolution Meetings

Lawyers and paralegals are skilled at handling early resolution meetings with prosecutors to discuss your case and explore settlement options.

Clarifying Your Legal Options

They can help you understand your options and advise on the best course of action based on the details revealed in the disclosure.

Filing Appeals

If you face a conviction and believe it’s unjust, a traffic paralegal or lawyer can assist you in filing an appeal to challenge the decision.

Spotting Constitutional Violations

Paralegals are adept at identifying potential violations of constitutional rights, which can provide valid grounds to contest a ticket.