We’ve all been there: that sinking feeling when we see flashing lights in our rearview mirror or when an unexpected ticket appears on our windshield. While no one sets out on their drive thinking they’ll receive a ticket, it’s a reality many drivers face.
Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just got your license, understanding the most common traffic violations can help you stay informed and avoid those fines.
In this blog, we’ll break down the top 5 tickets drivers often receive.
Careless Driving
Driving a vehicle without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway.) This type of offence is considered to be one of the more serious charges in the Highway Traffic Act. A police officer will usually lay a Careless Driving charge by either way of a ticket or summons to court.
If it is laid as a ticket, upon conviction, the offence will carry 6 demerit points which will remain on a driving record for two years as well as a fine of $490.00. Upon conviction of this charge, there would most likely be a significant increase in your insurance rate for up to three years. More serious examples of careless driving can result in a driving suspension, probation, and even jail.
Speeding
Speeding is another very common offence and is considered to be an “absolute liability” offence which simply means there is no defence for speeding if the evidence at trial shows you were legally caught speeding. Driving at a rate of speed above the posted speed limit can result in a Speeding charge.
As set out in the Ontario regulation 339/94 the following penalties would apply based on the rate of speed.
- 0-15km over the limit: 0 demerit points
- 16-29km over the limit: 3 demerit points
- 30-49km over the limit: 4 demerit points
- 50 and plus km over the limit: 6 demerit points.
The higher the rate of speed, the more this would affect insurance rates and driving record.
Stunt Driving
Stunt driving can include things like driving without due care and attention at a high rate of speed, or chasing another vehicle, racing, exceeding the speed limit by 50km/hr or more. Any speed zone that is less than 80km/hr where the rate of speed exceeds 40km/hr would also constitute as a Stunt charge.
It can even be as innocuous as spinning your tires. If you are charged with a stunt your driver’s licence will be suspended by the police officer for 30 days on a first offence. Your vehicle will be impounded for 14 days as well.
Stunt offences result in a court summons as they are considered a highly serious offence and upon conviction carry hefty penalties and fines. The prescribed fine on a first conviction is $2K-$10k, and a driver’s licence suspension between 1-3 years, and imprisonment of not more than 6 months or both.
Drive Hand-Held Communication Device
Cell phone tickets are one of the most common tickets to be charged with and unfortunately one of the more serious ones as well. Upon conviction of a Hand-Held communication device charge, insurance rates would almost definitely significantly increase.
For a first offence, conviction of this offence would result in a fine not less than $500 and not more than $1,000, climbing to $2,000 for a second offence and $3,000 for a third. In addition, for a first offence, there would be a licence suspension for three days, 7 days for a second offence, and 30 or more on any additional subsequent offences. Three demerit points would also remain on the driving record for a period of two years.
Driving Under Suspension
Any person caught driving while their licence is under suspension, could be charged with this offence. There are many reasons why your licence can be suspended and the driver of a vehicle may not always be aware that their licence is suspended. Unpaid fines, a medical suspension, refusal to provide breath sample at roadside are just a few examples.
If a driver is caught driving with a suspended licence, the officer will have the vehicle towed and/or driven by a fully licensed individual. The penalties associated with this type charge include a fine of, at least, $1,000 and a 6 month license suspension.
Conclusion
In the end, the road is a shared space, and the rules in place are designed to keep everyone safe. By being aware of the most common missteps drivers make, you’re better equipped to avoid them yourself.
Remember, it’s not just about avoiding fines or points on your license; it’s about ensuring the safety of yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
