Demerit Points in Ontario
Demerit points are added to your Ontario driving record after a conviction for certain traffic charges. A conviction means the court accepts a guilty plea or finds the person guilty. The number of points depends on the offence. As points add up, the driver may receive warnings, be called for an interview or face a licence suspension.
This guide explains the rules for fully licensed drivers and new drivers with G1, G2, M1 or M2 licences. It also explains why the insurance impact of a traffic conviction can be different from its demerit-point consequences.
How Demerit Points Work
What are demerit points?
Ontario drivers start with zero demerit points. Points are added after convictions for certain traffic offences. They are not deducted from a bank of good points. A speeding ticket can carry zero, three, four or six points, depending on the alleged speed and offence.
Demerit points generally remain active for two years from the offence date. A conviction can remain visible on a standard three-year driving record longer than the points themselves. This difference matters when you consider the effect on your insurance.
Do you get points when you receive the ticket?
Receiving a ticket does not automatically add points to your record. Points follow a conviction, which can occur after paying a standard offence notice, pleading guilty or being found guilty at trial.
The effect of a conviction depends on the offence and licence class. Existing active points can affect the licence consequences.
Search Traffic Offences and Demerit Points
The number of points depends on the exact charge and circumstances. These examples cover ordinary charges against a driver. Tickets issued to a vehicle owner, and other special cases, may have different rules.
| Offence | HTA / regulation | General points | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failing to remain at scene of accident | 200 | 7 | Source ↗ |
| Driver failing to stop when signalled or requested to stop by police | 216 (except suspension under 216(3)) | 7 | Source ↗ |
| Careless driving | 130 | 6 | Source ↗ |
| Racing | 172 | 6 | Source ↗ |
| Exceeding speed limit by 50 km/h or more | 128; Regulation 829 s.13(3); other listed speed laws | 6 | Source ↗ |
| Exceeding speed limit by 30 to 49 km/h | 128; Regulation 829 s.13(3); other listed speed laws | 4 | Source ↗ |
| Exceeding speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h | 128; Regulation 829 s.13(3); other listed speed laws | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Driver of bus or school bus failing to stop at railway crossing | 174(1), 174(2) | 5 | Source ↗ |
| Driving through, around or under railway crossing barrier | 164 | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to yield right of way | 135(2), 135(3), 136(1)(b), 136(2), 138(1), 139(1), 141(5), 144(8), 144(21) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to yield to pedestrian | 144(7) | 4 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to obey stop sign, signal light or railway crossing signal | 136(1)(a), 144(14)-(18), 144(21), 146(3)-(4), 163; specified bylaws and federal regulations | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to obey directions of police constable | 134(1) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Driving or operating vehicle on closed highway | 134(3) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to report an accident | 199(1), 199(1.1) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Improper passing | 148(8), 149, 150, 166 | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Improper driving where highway divided into lanes | 154 | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to stop for school bus | 175(11), 175(12) | 6 | Source ↗ |
| Following too closely | 158 | 4 | Source ↗ |
| Crowding driver's seat | 162 | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Drive wrong way on divided highway | 156(1)(a) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Cross divided highway without proper crossing | 156(1)(b) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Wrong way on one-way street or highway | 153 | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Backing on highway | 157(1) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Pedestrian crossover | 140(1), 140(3) | 4 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to share road | 148(1), 148(2), 148(4)-(7) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Improper right turn | 141(2), 141(3) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Improper left turn | 141(6), 141(7) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to signal | 142(1), 142(2), 142(8) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Unnecessary slow driving | 132 | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to lower headlamp beam | 168 | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Improper opening of vehicle door | 165(1) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Prohibited turns | 143, 144(9); municipal bylaws prohibiting turns | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Towing persons on toboggans, bicycles, skis etc. | 160 | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to obey signs prescribed by regulation | 182(2) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Driver failing to properly wear seat belt | 106(2) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Passenger under 16 not occupying seat-belt position | 106(4)(a)(i) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Passenger under 16 not properly wearing seat belt | 106(4)(a)(ii) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Child passenger not properly secured | 106(4)(b) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Infant passenger not secured as prescribed | Regulation 613 s.8(2) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Toddler passenger not secured as prescribed | Regulation 613 s.8(3) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Child passenger not secured as prescribed | Regulation 613 s.8(4) | 2 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to stop on right for emergency vehicle | 159(1)(a) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to stop at nearest curb for emergency vehicle | 159(1)(b) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to stop at nearest edge of roadway for emergency vehicle | 159(1)(b) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to slow and proceed with caution for emergency vehicle or tow truck | 159(2) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to move into another lane for emergency vehicle or tow truck if safe | 159(3) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Following fire department vehicle too closely | 159(4) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Motor vehicle equipped with speed measuring warning device | 79(2) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Improper use of high occupancy vehicle lane | 154.1(3) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to obey traffic control stop sign | 146.1(3) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to obey traffic control slow sign | 146.1(4) | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to obey school crossing stop sign | 176(3) | 4 | Source ↗ |
| Driving with display screen visible to driver | 78 | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Driving while holding or using hand-held device | 78.1 | 3 | Source ↗ |
| Failing to leave one metre while passing bicycle | 148(6.1) | 2 | Source ↗ |
No matching charge found. Try another name or point value.
The 56 general point values were checked against the official regulation on October 28, 2026. This is not a list of every HTA offence. Licence class, repeat device convictions, suspensions and other special rules can change point treatment. No zero-point offences are listed here. The speeding article explains the 1–15 km/h category.
Can Multiple Tickets Cause Points to Accumulate?
Can several small tickets lead to bigger penalties?
Yes. Two convictions for offences carrying three points each can leave a driver with six active points if the offences occurred within the relevant two-year period. Each new conviction can add to the consequences of earlier ones.
For a new driver, Ontario’s published guidance lists a second warning at six to eight points added together. For fully licensed drivers, different thresholds apply. The effect on insurance can also grow when convictions or at-fault accidents accumulate.
Accumulated Points and Licence Consequences
Ontario’s published guidance lists these thresholds. Separate extra penalties for new drivers may also apply.
| Licence status | Points | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Full licence | 6–8 | Warning letter |
| Full licence | 9–14 | Second warning |
| Full licence | 15+ | 30-day suspension |
| Novice | 2–5 | Warning letter |
| Novice | 6–8 | Second warning |
| Novice | 9+ | 60-day suspension |
Source: Ontario’s demerit point guidance ↗
How Do Points Affect G1, G2, M1 and M2 Drivers?
What happens after a single four-point offence?
A G1, G2, M1 or M2 driver can face extra penalties after one qualifying conviction carrying four or more points. These penalties become more serious after each qualifying conviction. A first qualifying conviction can lead to a 30-day suspension. A second can bring a 90-day suspension. A third can lead to cancellation of the new driver’s licence.
Examples include speeding 30–49 km/h over the limit, following too closely and careless driving. These extra penalties are separate from the system that adds up points from several convictions.
What if a new driver accumulates six points?
Two separate three-point convictions can produce six points added together. Ontario’s published guidance lists a second warning at six to eight points. Reaching six points alone does not automatically result in a suspension.
At nine points added together, the novice-driver accumulated-points system provides for a 60-day suspension. This is why a driver should consider existing points when a further conviction is recorded.
Do the rules apply to M1 and M2 motorcycle drivers?
Yes. Motorcycle new drivers can face graduated-licensing sanctions too. The result may depend on whether the person also holds a full licence for another type of vehicle.
Do Demerit Points Affect Car Insurance?
Do points themselves determine insurance premiums?
Not usually. Insurers consider the conviction, the type of charge and the driver’s history. The company’s approved rules also matter. A ticket carrying zero points may still affect insurance.
One conviction may have little effect, but additional convictions or an at-fault accident can have a combined effect. Some drivers may lose discounts or face higher premiums at renewal.
Can a new driver’s ticket affect the family policy?
Yes. A G2 driver listed as an occasional driver on a parent’s policy may affect the family’s insurance costs after a conviction. A resulting licence suspension may also be relevant to the insurer.
The effect is not automatic or the same for every family. It depends on the insurer, the vehicles, the listed drivers and the policy terms. Families should ask their insurer about the likely consequences.
Early resolution and your driving record
A lower fine can still mean a conviction
Early resolution may still leave a conviction on your driving record. A lower fine or fewer points does not erase that conviction. Your insurance rates may still be affected.
A conviction means the court has found the person guilty or accepted a guilty plea. Early resolution is a meeting with a prosecutor to discuss the case. It does not guarantee that a charge will be dropped. If the driver pleads guilty to a reduced charge, that charge can still appear on the driving record.
Points follow the charge of conviction
The prosecutor cannot simply remove points while keeping the same conviction. A different charge may carry a different number of points. Separate licence rules may also apply.
A licensed paralegal or lawyer can explain the offer, the evidence and the possible consequences before the driver decides. A charge being withdrawn is different from pleading guilty. Read about early resolution →
How can a licensed paralegal help?
Review the evidence and represent you
A licensed paralegal can review the charge and explain the possible consequences. They can request disclosure: the police notes and other relevant information held by the prosecutor. The prosecutor is the person presenting the case against the driver.
- Review the police notes, documents and any available video.
- Discuss the evidence with the prosecutor.
- Attend a pre-trial meeting or court appearance where permitted.
- Represent the driver at trial and make legal arguments.
A court may still require the driver to attend. The work and the order of the steps depend on the case. Not every traffic case has a formal pre-trial meeting with a judge.
What matters for this charge?
A paralegal can review the exact charge and the driver’s licence status. They can explain the point value, existing points and any extra rules for new drivers.
Points, a possible suspension and insurance are different concerns. A reduced fine does not settle all of them.
Explain the available choices
The paralegal can assess a trial, a possible withdrawal or any proposed resolution. A withdrawal means the prosecutor drops the charge. An acquittal means the court finds the driver not guilty. Neither outcome can be promised.
A guilty plea to a reduced charge still creates a conviction. The driver should understand the possible record, licence and insurance effects before deciding. Seek advice from a licensed paralegal or lawyer about the particular charge. Read about professional representation →
Official Ontario Sources
Ontario — Understanding demerit points
Ontario: Understanding demerit points
Ontario new driver information
General information, not legal advice. Legal review remains pending. Confirm the law in force on the offence date and your individual circumstances.