Fighting a Traffic Ticket in Ontario
A traffic ticket can mean hefty fines, demerit points, licence suspensions, and skyrocketing insurance. Here's how the process works and when to fight back.
Common Offences & Penalties
| Offence | Fine Range | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (1–15 km/h over) | $2.50/km | 0 |
| Speeding (16–29 km/h over) | $3.75/km | 3 |
| Speeding (30–49 km/h over) | $6.00/km | 4 |
| Careless driving | $400–$2,000 | 6 |
| Stunt driving (50+ over) | $2,000–$10,000 | 6 |
| Red light / stop sign | $260–$500 | 3 |
The Provincial Offences Act (POA) Process
- Receive ticket — You have 15 days to respond.
- Choose your option — Pay the fine (guilty plea), request an early resolution meeting, or request a trial.
- Early resolution — Meet with a prosecutor to negotiate a reduced charge or fine.
- Trial — A justice of the peace hears your case. The officer must testify.
Important: If you simply ignore the ticket, you'll be convicted in absentia and the fine will go to collections.
Defence Strategies
- Officer no-show — If the officer doesn't appear at trial, the charge is typically withdrawn.
- Radar/device calibration — Challenging whether the speed detection device was properly calibrated.
- Signage issues — Missing or obstructed speed limit signs can be a valid defence.
- Due diligence — Showing you took all reasonable care in the circumstances.
Impact on Insurance
Even a minor conviction can raise your insurance premiums for 3 years. A careless driving conviction can increase rates by 25–100%. Fighting the ticket — even to get it reduced — can save thousands.
Why Use a Paralegal?
Licensed paralegals handle traffic matters daily. They know the prosecutors, the court procedures, and the best strategies for your situation. In many cases, you don't even need to attend court yourself.
Got a traffic ticket? We can help.
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