Demerit points are a system used in Ontario (and some other provinces in Canada) to track driving offenses and help identify high-risk drivers. When a driver commits a traffic violation, they may receive demerit points on their driving record. The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the offense.

Here are some examples of common traffic offenses and the number of demerit points they carry in Ontario:

• Speeding 16-29 km/h over the posted limit: 3 demerit points
• Speeding 30-49 km/h over the posted limit: 4 demerit points
• Running a red light or stop sign: 3 demerit points
• Improper passing: 3 demerit points
• Following too closely (tailgating): 4 demerit points
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian: 3 demerit points
• Failing to wear a seatbelt: 2 demerit points

If a driver accumulates too many demerit points within a certain period of time, they may face additional consequences such as a license suspension, mandatory driver education, or increased insurance rates.

In Ontario, if a driver accumulates 9 to 14 points, they may be sent a warning letter. If they accumulate 15 to 19 points, they may be required to attend an interview to discuss their driving behavior. If they accumulate 20 or more points, they may face a license suspension. Additionally, certain offenses such as impaired driving or racing carry an automatic license suspension and additional penalties.

Impact of demerit points on insurance rates in Ontario

The specific impact of demerit points on insurance rates in Ontario can vary depending on a number of factors, including the insurance company and policy. That being said, as a general rule, having demerit points on your driving record is likely to result in higher insurance rates.

The exact increase in rates will depend on a number of factors, including the number of demerit points, the specific offense or offenses that led to the points, and the policies of the insurance company. In some cases, having even a single demerit point on your record can result in slightly higher insurance rates, while in other cases, the impact may not be as significant.

In general, however, having a higher number of demerit points is likely to result in more significant increases in insurance rates. For example, if you have several points on your record as a result of a serious traffic offense, such as a DUI, you can expect to see a significant increase in your insurance premiums.

Ultimately, the best way to get an accurate estimate of how demerit points will affect your insurance rates is to speak directly with your insurance provider. They will be able to provide you with more information on how demerit points are factored into their pricing and give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of rates.

Are Demerit Points Added Or Subtracted?

Demerit points are added to your driving record in Ontario, Canada. When you commit a driving offense that results in demerit points, the points are added to your driving record, and the total number of demerit points on your record increases.

The more serious the driving offense, the higher the number of demerit points you will receive. For example, speeding 16-29 km/h over the limit will result in three demerit points, while careless driving will result in six demerit points.

It’s important to note that having demerit points on your record can result in consequences such as license suspensions, mandatory driver training, and higher insurance rates. In Ontario, if you accumulate nine or more demerit points, your license may be suspended for up to 60 days. Therefore, it’s important to drive safely and avoid accumulating demerit points on your driving record.

Are Demerit Points Transferable Between Provinces?

Yes, demerit points can be transferred between provinces in Canada. Each province has its own demerit point system, but they are connected through a national database that records driving convictions and the associated demerit points.

If you receive a driving conviction in one province that results in demerit points, those points will be recorded in the national database. If you then move to another province, the new province’s licensing authority will have access to your national driving record, and any demerit points you received in the previous province will be applied to your new driving record.

It is important to note that demerit point systems can vary between provinces, and the number of points associated with a particular offense may differ. Therefore, it is important to check with your new province’s licensing authority to determine how many demerit points will be applied to your driving record and what the consequences may be.

Do Demerit Points Go Expire, Away Or Reset In Ontario?

In Ontario, demerit points do not “expire” or “reset” on their own. Once you receive demerit points, they remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the offense. However, the points will not be applied to your driving record until the conviction is registered with the Ministry of Transportation.

If you receive more than two demerit points while you have previous demerit points on your record, you may be required to attend a meeting with the Ministry of Transportation to discuss your driving record and the steps you can take to improve it.

It is important to note that even after the two-year period has passed, the offense will still appear on your driving record. However, the associated demerit points will not be used to determine the number of points on your record at that time.

 Where To Check Demerit Points Ontario?

In Ontario, you can check your demerit points online through the Ministry of Transportation’s website. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the Ministry of Transportation’s website: https://www.ontario.ca/serviceontario
2. Click on the “Driver’s Licence Check” button.
3. You will be taken to a new page where you will need to enter your driver’s license number, your last name, and your date of birth.
4. Click on the “Continue” button.
5. Review the information on the next page to confirm that it is correct.
6. Click on the “View Driver History” button.
7. Your driving record will be displayed, and you can see the number of demerit points you currently have.

If you have any issues accessing your driving record or checking your demerit points, you can contact the Ministry of Transportation’s Driver and Vehicle Contact Centre for assistance.

List Of Demerit Points in Ontario

List of demerit points for various driving offenses in Ontario:

• 7 demerit points: Failing to remain at the scene of a collision, racing, and exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/hour or more
• 6 demerit points: Careless driving
• 5 demerit points: Failing to stop for a school bus, failing to yield the right-of-way, driving the wrong way on a one-way street or a divided road, and exceeding the speed limit by 30-49 km/hour
• 4 demerit points: Following too closely (tailgating), driving or operating a vehicle with no insurance, failing to signal a turn or lane change, and driving with an obstructed view
• 3 demerit points: Improper passing, failing to yield to pedestrians, failing to use seat belts, and exceeding the speed limit by 16-29 km/hour
• 2 demerit points: Improper opening of a vehicle door, driving in a prohibited lane, and driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street

It’s important to note that accumulating too many demerit points can result in a license suspension or other penalties. For example, if you accumulate 15 or more demerit points, your license can be suspended for up to 30 days. It’s also important to remember that demerit points stay on your driving record for two years from the offense date.