What to Know if You’ve Been Charged with a Speeding Ticket in Ontario

The Highway Traffic Act, Section 128, mandates strict adherence to speed limits, 50 km/h in municipalities and 80 km/h in other areas, but the repercussions can be daunting, with penalties reaching up to $1,000 and a surge in insurance rates.

Understanding the ins and outs of speeding fines is essential, especially given the recent changes to stunt driving laws, which blur the lines between speeding and more serious offences.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to face this battle alone. At JUSTICEJOLT, we’re dedicated to helping you fight back against unfair charges and navigate your options for challenging those speeding tickets. 

Speeding tickets add up quickly – protect your record and avoid demerit points.

Ontario Speeding Fines And Demerit Points

In Ontario, speeding comes with significant penalties that increase depending on the severity of the offence. The fines, demerit points, and licence suspensions all escalate as the amount by which you exceed the speed limit increases.

For example, if you are speeding by 1-15 km/h over the limit, the fine is $2.50 for each km/h over, and you receive no demerit points. If you speed by 30-49 km/h over the limit, the fine rises to $6.00 for every km/h over, resulting in 4 demerit points.

If you exceed the limit by 50 km/h or more, you could face stunt driving charges. These charges come with substantial fines and demerit points, and they can also result in a 30-day licence suspension for G1 and G2 drivers.

Speed Over Limit	Demerit Points	Base Fine (before surcharges)	Licence Suspension
1-15 km/h	0	~$2.50 per km/h	No Suspension
16-29 km/h	3	~$3.75 per km/h	No Suspension
30-49 km/h	4	~$6.00 per km/h	30-day Suspension for G1 & G2 drivers
50+ km/h	6 (Stunt Driving)	Court-set fine (up to $10,000)	Immediate suspension, vehicle impound, court penalties

How Much Will A Speeding Ticket Increase Insurance?

A speeding ticket in Ontario can increase your car insurance, with the impact varying based on the severity of the offence. For example, a ticket for exceeding the limit by 15 km/h affects your premiums differently from one for speeding by 50 km/h. Two minor tickets might lead to a 25% increase, while three speeding tickets could cause a 100% increase.

Insurance providers have different policies for assessing tickets. Minor tickets may result in a slight or no premium increase, but major ones or multiple tickets typically lead to significant hikes. Insurers usually discover speeding tickets during insurance renewal by checking with the Ministry of Transportation, so it’s important to disclose any violations.

How To Pay A Speeding Ticket Online

To pay a speeding ticket in Ontario, you can either pay online or in person at a Service Ontario location within 15 days. Additionally, you can check the status of your ticket or request a meeting to resolve your case.

Online Payment

• Visit the Service Ontario website.
• Have your ticket information ready.
• Follow the instructions provided on the website.

In-Person Payment

• Visit a Service Ontario location to pay your ticket.
• Note that defaulted fines must be paid at Service Ontario.

Checking Ticket Status/Requesting a Meeting

• Go online to check the status of your case.
• You can also request a meeting to discuss the ticket or explore options for resolution.

Does A Police Officer Have To Prove You Were Speeding?

When you receive a speeding ticket, it is crucial to understand that a police officer must prove in court, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you were indeed speeding if you choose to contest the citation.

This standard means that the prosecution must present compelling evidence that leaves little room for doubt regarding your speed exceeding the legal limit. Additionally, the officer must validate that the speed measurement device was functioning correctly and accurately calibrated.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the components involved:

Proof of Speeding

The prosecution is responsible for demonstrating that the alleged offence occurred on a designated roadway, that you were operating a motor vehicle at the time, and that your speed exceeded the posted limit.

Identification

The officer must establish that you were the individual behind the vehicle’s wheel when the speeding offence took place, which is crucial for accountability.

Speed Measurement

The officer must articulate the method used to gauge your speed, such as radar, lidar, or pacing, while also providing evidence that this device was calibrated correctly and functioning as intended during the measurement.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

This legal standard is foundational in criminal cases, signifying that the judge must be thoroughly convinced that there is virtually no reasonable doubt regarding your guilt.

Officer’s Testimony

Although the officer is not obliged to present you with the radar reading at the moment of the traffic stop, they must effectively communicate their findings in court, detailing the observations made.

Fighting the Ticket

If you choose to challenge the ticket, you can contest the evidence put forth by the prosecution, scrutinize the officer’s observations, or argue that the speed measurement device may have been inaccurate, potentially undermining the case against you.

How To Fight a Speeding Ticket in Ontario

By contesting the ticket, you can help avoid the potential increase in your insurance premiums that may arise from a conviction. If at any point you feel confused or unsure about the process, do not hesitate to seek advice from a qualified paralegal or lawyer who can provide critical assistance.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of contesting a speeding ticket effectively and possibly having it dismissed or reduced:

Request a Trial

To begin the process, you need to fill out the section on the back of your ticket that requests a trial. Once this is complete, submit the form to the court address specified on the ticket. Make sure to do this within the time frame indicated on the ticket to ensure your request is processed.

Request Disclosure

After you have requested a trial, it’s crucial to contact the court office to ask for disclosure. This documentation will include the police officer’s notes, radar calibration records (if applicable), and any other evidence that the prosecution plans to use against you. Understanding this disclosure is key as it will help you in preparing your defence.

Review the Disclosure

Once you receive the disclosure, take the time to carefully examine it for any errors, inconsistencies, or missing information. Identifying these issues can be crucial in building a strong case in your favour, as they might highlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.

Prepare Your Defence

With the information garnered from the disclosure, you can now begin to prepare your defence. Think about various arguments that may support your case. These could include questioning the accuracy of the speed measurement device used, pointing out any discrepancies in the officer’s notes, noting speed limit signs that may have been obscured or unclear, or referring to any other circumstances that could have affected your speed. It’s wise to gather any supporting evidence you may have, such as dashcam footage or photographs, which can further bolster your defence.

If you feel overwhelmed by this process or unsure about the legal aspects, consider hiring a traffic lawyer from JUSTICEJOLT. Their expertise can be invaluable in ensuring you are well-prepared.

Attend Your Hearing

You will receive a notification regarding your trial date, so be sure to mark it on your calendar and prepare accordingly. On the day of the hearing, present your defence to the Justice of the Peace. Clearly outline your arguments and back them up with the evidence you have gathered.

How JUSTICEJOLT Can Help You Fight A Speeding Ticket

JUSTICEJOLT can assist you in fighting traffic ticket offences related to speeding by providing legal expertise and representation in court. Our focus is on challenging the evidence against you and potentially reducing the penalties associated with the driving offence, including fines, demerit points, and increases in insurance rates. Here’s how we can help:

Reviewing the Ticket  

JUSTICEJOLT specialists will thoroughly examine your speeding ticket to identify any potential errors or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Gathering Evidence  

We will help you collect evidence that may support your defence, such as dashcam footage, GPS data, or proof of obscured speed limit signs.

Understanding Traffic Laws  

The specialists at JUSTICEJOLT are well-versed in traffic laws and will use our knowledge to formulate a strong defence strategy.

Representing You in Court  

We will represent you in court, presenting your case and challenging the evidence put forth by the prosecution.

Negotiating Penalties  

If a conviction seems unavoidable, JUSTICEJOLT can negotiate with the prosecutor to potentially lessen the penalties, such as fines or demerit points.