Demerit Points & Your Ontario Driving Record

How Demerit Points Work

Unlike a "point system" where you start with points and lose them, Ontario's demerit system adds points upon conviction. Points remain on your record for two years from the date of the offence (not the conviction date).

Demerit Point Thresholds

Common Offences & Demerit Points

Insurance Consequences

Traffic convictions stay on your abstract for 3 years (or 6 years for serious offences). Insurers review your record at renewal. Even one speeding conviction can increase premiums by 15–25%. Multiple convictions or a careless driving conviction can result in being placed in a high-risk pool with dramatically higher rates.

Stunt Driving — A Special Category

Under recent HTA amendments, stunt driving (50+ km/h over the limit, street racing, etc.) carries an immediate roadside suspension and vehicle impoundment — even before conviction. Upon conviction, penalties include fines of $2,000–$10,000, a licence suspension of 1–3 years, and possible jail time.

Can You Remove Demerit Points?

Demerit points automatically expire after two years from the offence date. There is no course or program to remove them early. The only way to avoid points is to fight the charge and win — or negotiate a reduced charge that carries fewer points.

Why You Should Fight Traffic Tickets

• A conviction follows your record for 3–6 years and raises insurance premiums significantly.
• Many tickets can be reduced or withdrawn at a first court appearance.
• A licensed paralegal can attend court on your behalf — you often don't need to take the day off work.