Ontario Demerit System
Understanding Your
Ontario Ticket
Your ticket may leave important questions open. Here is practical information to confirm before you decide what to do next.
Demerit Point Thresholds — Ontario
9 pts
Warning Letter
Fully licensed (G)
15 pts
Licence Suspended
Fully licensed (G) — 30 days
6 pts
Warning Letter
Novice driver (G1/G2)
9 pts
Licence Suspended
Novice driver — 60 days
Points stay on your record for 2 years from the date of conviction — not the ticket date.
Demerit Points by Offence
Based on Ontario Regulation 339/94 under the Highway Traffic Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Ontario drivers ask after getting a ticket.
How does Ticket Relief determine demerit points?
We look up the HTA section number printed on your ticket against Ontario Regulation 339/94 — the official provincial demerit point schedule under the Highway Traffic Act. For speeding charges (s.128), points depend on how far over the posted limit you were alleged to be driving: 16–29 km/h over = 3 points, 30–49 km/h over = 4 points, 50+ km/h over = 6 points. For all other offences the points are fixed by the section number alone. You can view the full official schedule on the Ontario government website.
Why doesn't my ticket show how many demerit points I'm getting?
Ontario tickets (POA Form 1) don't list demerit points because points are only added to your record after a conviction — not when the ticket is issued. The number of points is determined by the Ontario Regulation 339/94 based on the specific section of the Highway Traffic Act you're charged under. Ticket Relief looks up your section number and calculates them automatically.
How long do demerit points stay on my driving record?
Demerit points remain on your Ontario driving record for 2 years from the date of conviction, not the date the ticket was issued. The conviction date is usually when the fine is paid or when the court makes a decision. Confirm timing with a licensed professional before making decisions about your ticket.
What happens when I accumulate too many points?
For fully licensed (Class G) drivers: at 9 points the MTO sends a warning letter; at 15 points your licence is suspended for 30 days and you must attend a mandatory interview. For novice (G1/G2) drivers the thresholds are lower: warning at 6 points, 60-day suspension at 9 points. After a suspension you start fresh at 0 points.
How do demerit points affect my car insurance?
Insurance companies may review your driving abstract when you renew your policy. Demerit points and convictions can affect premiums, but the impact depends on your insurer, record, policy, and the offence. Ask your insurer or a licensed professional before making a decision based only on the fine.
What's the difference between paying the fine and a conviction?
Paying the fine is generally treated as a guilty plea. A conviction may appear on your record and demerit points may be added, depending on the offence. Before paying, review the options printed on the ticket and consider speaking with a licensed professional if you are unsure.
What is the 15-day rule?
Once you receive a ticket, you have 15 days to choose one of three options printed on the back: (1) pay the fine and plead guilty, (2) request an early resolution meeting with the prosecutor, or (3) request a trial. If you miss the 15-day deadline without responding, you are deemed not to dispute the charge and a conviction is registered automatically — without a court date.
What is stunt driving (s.172) and why is it so serious?
Stunt driving under s.172 of the HTA covers racing, exceeding 40 km/h over the limit in a 80+ zone (or 50 km/h over in any zone), and other aggressive driving behaviours. It carries 6 demerit points, an automatic roadside 30-day licence suspension, and a 14-day vehicle impoundment on the spot — before any trial. A conviction can result in a licence suspension of up to 10 years.
Can I respond to a ticket without a lawyer or paralegal?
Yes. You can respond on your own if the notice gives you that option. A licensed paralegal or lawyer can explain the process, review the documents, and help you understand the risks and options before you decide.
What is an early resolution meeting?
An early resolution meeting, sometimes called a first appearance, is an informal meeting with the prosecutor before a hearing is set. The prosecutor may discuss resolution options, but the result depends on the facts, documents, the charge, and the prosecutor's position.
Does a ticket from another province affect my Ontario licence?
Ontario has reciprocal agreements with most Canadian provinces and some US states. Convictions from Quebec, for example, do not transfer demerit points to an Ontario licence — but they are still visible on your abstract and can affect insurance. US convictions (e.g. from New York or Michigan) are reported to Ontario but points are not always transferred. Always verify with the MTO if you receive an out-of-province ticket.
Not sure what your ticket means?
Upload your ticket and we'll extract the charge, show the demerit-point reference, and flag information you may need to confirm.
No account required. Please review the extracted details before relying on them.