Learn More About the Ontario Demerit System

In Ontario, when one receives a traffic ticket,• Exceeding the speed limit by 30 to 49 km/h
there can be more repercussions than just a fine.• Following too closely
One such repercussion is the accumulation of3 Points
demerit appoints. Demerit points accumulate• Exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h
against your driver's license when you are• Driving through, around or under a railway
convicted of a traffic ticket charge such ascrossing barrier
speeding or reckless driving. The Ministry of• Failing to yield the right-of-way
Transportation of Ontario determines the amount• Failing to obey a stop sign, traffic light or
of demerit points for each specific traffic ticket.railway-crossing signal
A driver begins with zero demerit points and• Failing to obey the directions of a police
accumulates demerit points for convictions. Whenofficer
a driver is convicted of a particular traffic• Driving the wrong way on a divided road
offence, the demerit points are entered into their• Failing to report a collision to a police officer
record. Demerit points will stay on the drivers• Improper driving when road is divided into
record for two years.lanes
There are a number of demerit points applied for• Crowding the driver's seat
each type of traffic violation. When one• Going the wrong way on a one-way road
accumulates 9 demerit points on the driver's• Driving or operating a vehicle on a closed
license, the Ministry of Transportation of may callroad
to arrange a meeting to hear an explanation of• Crossing a divided road where no proper
why their driver's license should not be suspended.crossing is provided
If one acquires 15 or more points and it is a first2 Points
suspension, the license will be suspended for 30• Improper opening of a vehicle door
days from the date the license is surrendered to• Prohibited turns
the Ministry of Transportation. Drivers can lose• Towing people - on toboggans, bicycles, skis,
their license for up to two years if they fail toetc.
surrender their license.• Failing to obey signs
The following is a list of traffic violations that• Failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing
results in specific demerit points as listed on the• Failing to share the road
Ontario Ministry of Transportation Website (• Improper right turn
7 Points• Improper left turn
• Failing to remain at the scene of a collision• Failing to signal
• Failing to stop when signaled/requested by a• Unnecessary slow driving
police officer• Reversing on a divided high-speed road
6 Points• Driver failing to wear a seat belt
• Careless driving• Driver failing to ensure that a passenger less
• Racingthan 23 kg is properly secured
• Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or• Driver failing to ensure that a passenger
moreunder 16 years is wearing a seatbelt
• Failing to stop for a school busAs a driver, you are required to obey all of
5 PointsOntario's traffic laws. If you fail to follow them,
• Driver of a bus failing to stop at anyou could end up with extremely high fines and
unprotected railway crossinglosing your driver's license.
4 Points