Driving too slowly (impeding traffic) — defence

Defending a charge of driving too slowly (impeding traffic): disclosure, early resolution, plea negotiation or trial in Provincial Offences court.

You usually have 15 days from receiving a Part I offence notice to choose an option; trial dates depend on the court's schedule and are confirmed in writing before work starts. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)

What is included

  • Reviewing the ticket or summons, its deadlines and the possible demerit points
  • Filing the notice of intention to appear or trial request where needed
  • Requesting and reviewing disclosure, such as the officer's notes
  • Discussing a possible resolution with the prosecutor
  • Representing you in Provincial Offences court, where your service includes it
  • Explaining the result and any licence or insurance effects

What is not included

  • The fine, victim fine surcharge and court costs if there is a conviction
  • Insurance rate changes, which your insurer decides
  • An appeal, unless your service is an appeal
  • Criminal Code driving charges such as impaired driving, which are referred to a lawyer
  • Licence reinstatement and other government fees

Who this service is for

  • Drivers charged under the Highway Traffic Act or a related Ontario law
  • Novice and commercial drivers concerned about their licence
  • Vehicle owners who received a ticket for their vehicle
  • Anyone who wants someone to attend court for them

Information to have ready

  1. 1The ticket, summons or offence notice, front and back
  2. 2Your driver's licence and any driver's abstract you have
  3. 3Photos, dashcam video or witness details, if any
  4. 4Any letters from the court or the Ministry of Transportation

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

The fee is $250 plus 13% HST ($282.50 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.

What happens when I check out?

You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.

Can a paralegal represent me on a traffic ticket?

Yes. Licensed paralegals in Ontario may represent people charged under the Highway Traffic Act and other provincial laws in the Ontario Court of Justice.

Do I have to attend court myself?

Often not. A licensed paralegal can usually appear for you, though the court may sometimes require you to attend, for example to give evidence.

Will a ticket affect my insurance?

It may. Insurers usually look at convictions on your driving record rather than charges, so the result of the charge can matter. Your insurer decides any rate change.

What happens if I ignore the ticket?

If you do not choose an option within 15 days, you may be convicted without a hearing, and an unpaid fine can lead to a licence suspension.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No outcome can be guaranteed; a withdrawal, reduction or acquittal is never certain
  • The court, not the firm, sets trial dates and decides the result
  • Bring in your ticket early so the deadline on it can be met
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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