Individuals who speed on Ontario roads put themselves and others in danger. They are also putting their car at risk of damage. Getting a speeding ticket can have serious consequences, including fines and demerit points. It can also increase insurance rates and categorize drivers as high-risk. It is important to understand the full spectrum of penalties in order to protect your rights.
Fines
In Ontario, speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents and injuries on the road. It can also lead to increased insurance rates and demerit points, which may affect a driver’s driving record. Some drivers even experience a lapse in their coverage, especially if they receive several tickets within a short period of time.
The fines associated with speeding tickets depend on the number of kilometers over the limit and how fast you were driving. They also vary by province and jurisdiction. In addition to the fine, there is a victim fine surcharge (VFS) that goes toward assisting victims of crime.
When you receive a ticket, you can choose to fight it in court to save money and avoid demerit points. However, you should be aware that your insurer only learns about your conviction when you renew your policy. In most cases, your insurer will increase your rates and may consider you a high-risk driver.
Insurance Rates
Getting a speeding ticket ontario will impact your insurance rates, but the exact amount depends on the severity of the offense. Insurance companies usually review your driving record during a policy renewal or when you apply for a new one. Typically, major infractions, such as speeding over a significant threshold, will result in higher insurance premiums. Criminal offences, such as DUI and dangerous driving, will also increase your premiums significantly.
You should know that the impact of speeding tickets on insurance premiums will vary depending on the amount you’re convicted for and how many demerit points you lose. For example, going 25 km/h over the limit could lose you 3 demerit points, while going 50 km/h or more over the limit could lead to a 6 point loss and inflated insurance rates for years to come. Moreover, some violations will remain on your record for longer than others. This is why it’s important to keep your records clean and avoid any more violations.
Demerit Points
If you get a speeding ticket, it can result in demerit points and increased insurance premiums. Understanding the demerit point system and how it works can help you avoid penalties like license suspensions and fines. Drivers in Ontario start with zero demerit points, and earn them by being convicted of traffic laws. Each violation has a certain number of points associated with it, and some violations are more serious than others.
You can receive between three and six demerit points for breaking speeding laws, depending on how much you’re going over the limit. For example, going 16-29 km/h over the limit will earn you 3 points, while 30-49km/h will result in 4 points.
If you accrue more than 15 points, your licence will be suspended. You’ll be required to surrender your licence in person at any Service Ontario Centre. You’ll also have to attend a meeting with the Ministry of Transportation to discuss your driving behaviour.
Court Proceedings
When you get a speeding ticket in Ontario, it can affect your auto insurance rates. The impact depends on the severity of the offence and your driving record. A single offence will typically result in a small increase in your premium, while repeated offences may cause your insurer to categorize you as high-risk.
There are several different types of speeding tickets in Ontario, ranging from minor to major offences. The fines for speeding vary according to the number of kilometres per hour over the limit. In addition, the speeding fines are doubled in community safety zones and construction areas with or without workers present.
To fight a speeding ticket, you must file a request for trial with the Provincial Offences court where the ticket was issued. You must also submit any relevant evidence such as photos of the location where the violation occurred or witness statements. The judge will review your case and determine whether to dismiss or uphold the ticket.
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We can help you save money, protect your good driving record and avoid a significant car insurance increase. In Ontario, you have 15 days to exercise your options to pay the fine, plead guilty with an explanation or meet with the prosecutor and potentially find a lawyer.
