Ontario Speeding Tickets: Fines, Demerit Points & How to Fight Them
A speeding ticket in Ontario may seem minor — but paying it is a conviction that can raise your insurance premiums for 3–6 years and add demerit points to your licence. Know your options before you decide what to do.
Speeding Fines by Speed Band (Ontario)
| Speed Over Limit | Set Fine (+ surcharge) | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1–19 km/h | $2.50/km (~$20–$47) | 0 |
| 20–29 km/h | $3.75/km (~$75–$112) | 3 |
| 30–49 km/h | $6.00/km (~$180–$294) | 4 |
| 50+ km/h | $9.75/km ($487.50+) | 6 |
Ontario also adds a 25% victim fine surcharge on top of these amounts. Fines double in construction and community safety zones. At 50+ km/h over, you are in stunt driving territory — see our stunt driving guide.
Your Three Options After Getting a Ticket
- Pay the fine (plead guilty): Quickest option but results in a conviction, demerit points, and a higher insurance premium. Avoid this if the ticket is for 30+ over.
- Request a meeting with the prosecutor: You speak with the Crown prosecutor who may offer to reduce the charge (e.g., from 30 over to 15 over) to save court time. This can eliminate demerit points and lower the fine.
- Request a trial: You have the right to contest the charge in court. The officer must appear and prove the offence. A paralegal can represent you at trial.
What Happens at a Speeding Trial?
The prosecutor must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Common issues raised by a skilled paralegal include:
- Radar / LIDAR calibration records: The device must be certified and tested on the day in question. If records are absent or deficient, the speed evidence may be excluded.
- Disclosure: You are entitled to all evidence before trial. If the prosecutor cannot provide complete disclosure, a stay of proceedings may be ordered.
- Officer's notes and observations: Inconsistencies between notes and testimony can undermine the Crown's case.
- Charter delays (s.11(b)): If the trial date is set unreasonably far out, the charge can be stayed for unreasonable delay.
Insurance Impact of a Speeding Conviction
Insurance companies rate convictions based on severity:
| Conviction Type | Typical Insurance Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Minor (1–15 over) | 5–15% increase |
| Major (16–29 over) | 15–25% increase |
| Serious (30–49 over) | 25–50% increase |
| Stunt driving (50+ over) | Policy cancellation / 100–300%+ |
The surcharge typically stays on your record for 3–6 years depending on your insurer. On a $1,800/year policy, a 25% surcharge costs you $450/year — or $1,800–$2,700 over 4–6 years. Paralegal fees often pay for themselves just from the insurance savings.
New Driver (G1/G2) Considerations
Novice drivers face lower demerit point thresholds before suspension:
- 2 demerit points: Warning letter
- 6 demerit points: 30-day licence suspension
- 9 demerit points: 60-day licence suspension
Even a minor conviction that adds 3 demerit points puts a G2 driver dangerously close to suspension. New drivers should contest every ticket.
Got a speeding ticket? Let our licensed paralegals fight it for you.
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