Ontario’s demerit point system isn’t a bank of 15 points that you lose. You start at zero, and each conviction for a driving offence adds points. Collect too many within two years and you get a warning, then a second warning, then a suspension. On a G1 or G2, you reach each step much sooner.
How demerit points work
- Points go on your record when you’re convicted, not when you get the ticket.
- Paying a ticket counts as pleading guilty, so paying means the points go on.
- Points are dated from the day of the offence and count for two years from that date.
- If one incident leads to several convictions, only the offence with the most points counts.
- If you appeal, the points aren’t recorded unless the conviction is upheld.
The rule
Before you pay
Paying is the same as a conviction. If you believe a ticket is wrong, the time to dispute it is before you pay, usually within 15 days.
G1 and G2 drivers
| Points | What happens |
|---|---|
| 2 to 5 | A warning letter |
| 6 to 8 | A second warning letter. The Ministry can also call you to an interview. |
| 9 or more | A 60-day suspension. Your points drop to 4 afterwards; reach 9 again and it’s 6 months. |
The suspensions that skip the points
On top of points, G1 and G2 drivers face escalating suspensions for a conviction for breaking a G1 or G2 condition, for any offence worth 4 or more points, for fleeing police, or for distracted driving:
- First conviction: 30-day suspension
- Second: 90-day suspension
- Third: your licence is cancelled, and you start again at G1
Only convictions within five years of the last one escalate. For these offences, the suspension takes the place of the points.
Fully licensed drivers
| Points | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 | A warning letter |
| 9 to 14 | A second warning letter. The Ministry can also call you to an interview. |
| 15 or more | A 30-day suspension. Your points drop to 7 afterwards; reach 15 again and it’s 6 months. |
Getting a suspended licence back costs a $281 reinstatement fee, and after a points suspension you may have to redo the vision, knowledge and road tests.
New driver? Lessons help you build habits that keep your record clean. Call or text Mrs. Akbar.
Points for common tickets
| Offence | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1 to 15 km/h over | 0 |
| Speeding 16 to 29 km/h over | 3 |
| Speeding 30 to 49 km/h over | 4 |
| Speeding 50 km/h or more over | 6 |
| Racing or stunt driving | 6 |
| Careless driving | 6 |
| Failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing | 6 |
| Failing to remain at the scene of a collision | 7 |
| Failing to stop for police | 7 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Failing to yield to a pedestrian | 4 |
| Pedestrian crossover or school crossing guard offence | 4 |
| Running a red light or stop sign | 3 |
| Failing to yield the right-of-way | 3 |
| Improper passing | 3 |
| Going around or under a railway crossing barrier | 3 |
| Not slowing down or moving over for a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck | 3 |
| Opening a car door into traffic | 3 |
| Distracted driving, fully licensed | 3, or 6 for a repeat within five years |
| Not leaving 1 m when passing a cyclist | 2 |
| Seatbelt and child car seat offences | 2 |
Driving 40 km/h or more over where the limit is under 80, or 50 or more over where it’s 80 or higher, is stunt driving, which brings much more than points. The speeding and stunt driving guide has the details.
Tickets from outside Ontario
Convictions in other provinces and territories, New York and Michigan add points to your Ontario record as if they happened here, for offences such as speeding, running a red light or stop sign, failing to stop for a school bus, careless driving, racing and failing to remain at a collision.
Camera tickets
A red light camera ticket goes to the vehicle’s plate holder, whoever was driving, and carries no demerit points. In Hamilton it totals $325. A red light ticket from a police officer is 3 points. Ontario banned speed cameras as of November 14, 2025, though camera tickets for earlier dates still have to be paid.
Points and insurance
Insurers set your rate partly on your driving record, including collisions, speeding tickets and other convictions. FSRA, Ontario’s insurance regulator, puts it plainly: the better your record, the lower your premium.
FSRA also describes a graduated licensing discount: 10% for a year when you move up to a G2, and again at G, if you have no chargeable convictions or at-fault collisions. A clean record pays twice.
How to check your points
Order your 3-year driver record from ServiceOntario. It shows your demerit point total, convictions and suspensions. An uncertified copy costs $12 and arrives by email as a PDF when you order online, or right away in person. A certified copy is $18 and is mailed within 15 business days. The free online licence status check doesn’t show points.
Sources
- Understanding demerit points (ontario.ca) (opens in a new tab)
- O. Reg. 339/94, Demerit Point System (ontario.ca/laws) (opens in a new tab)
- O. Reg. 340/94, Drivers’ Licences (ontario.ca/laws) (opens in a new tab)
- Driver’s Handbook: keeping your driver’s licence (ontario.ca) (opens in a new tab)
- Reinstate a suspended driver’s licence (ontario.ca) (opens in a new tab)
- Get a driving record (ontario.ca) (opens in a new tab)
- What determines your auto insurance rate (fsrao.ca) (opens in a new tab)
- How to save on auto insurance (fsrao.ca) (opens in a new tab)
- Roadway safety tools: red light and speed cameras (hamilton.ca) (opens in a new tab)
Quick answers
How long do demerit points stay on your record in Ontario?
Two years from the date of the offence.
Do you start with 15 points in Ontario?
No. You start at zero and gain points for convictions. For a fully licensed driver, reaching 15 means a 30-day suspension.
How many demerit points before a G2 licence is suspended?
Nine points means a 60-day suspension. But any single conviction worth 4 or more points, such as speeding 30 km/h over, already brings a 30-day suspension for a G1 or G2 driver.
If I pay my ticket, do I get demerit points?
Yes. Paying counts as pleading guilty, so the conviction and its points go on your record.
Do red light camera tickets give demerit points?
No. Camera tickets go to the plate holder and carry no points. A red light ticket from a police officer is 3 points.
How do I check my demerit points in Ontario?
Order a 3-year driver record from ServiceOntario: $12 uncertified, or $18 certified.
Do out-of-province tickets add demerit points in Ontario?
Yes, for convictions in other provinces and territories, New York and Michigan, for offences such as speeding, red lights, stop signs and careless driving.
Do demerit points affect car insurance in Ontario?
Insurers look at your driving record, including tickets and convictions. FSRA says the better your record, the lower your premium.
put it into practice
Start with good habits
The best way to avoid points is to learn to drive the right way from the start. Call or text to book.
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