How Ontario's demerit point system works, when points affect your licence, and why convictions still matter for insurance.
Demerit points are licence penalties, not insurance points
Ontario adds demerit points after certain driving convictions. Points can trigger warning letters, interviews, suspensions, and stricter consequences for novice drivers.
Insurance companies do not price policies only by demerit points. They usually care about the conviction itself, the offence type, and your overall record.
Ontario demerit points chart by offence
The exact point value depends on the specific offence you're convicted of under the Highway Traffic Act, not on the fine amount. Here's the official breakdown for the offences drivers ask about most.
- 7 points: failing to remain at the scene of a collision, failing to stop for police.
- 6 points: careless driving, racing/stunt driving, failing to stop for a school bus, speeding 50 km/h or more over the limit.
- 4 points: following too closely (tailgating), speeding 30-49 km/h over the limit, failing to stop at a pedestrian crossover.
- 3 points: an officer-issued red light ticket, failing to obey a stop sign, distracted/handheld device driving, failing to yield the right-of-way, speeding 16-29 km/h over the limit.
- 2 points: improper turns (including turn not in safety), failing to signal, failing to share the road, no seatbelt.
- 0 points: speeding 1-15 km/h over the limit (fine only), and red light camera tickets — those go to the vehicle's registered owner, not a driver's licence, so no points apply.
How to reduce point exposure
The most effective strategy is to fight the underlying ticket before conviction. Bridge Legal Services reviews disclosure, negotiates with prosecutors, and targets reductions that protect your licence and insurance profile.