How Long Do Demerit Points Stay on Your Record in Ontario?

The system of demerit points in Ontario and how long they’re on record has confused the province’s drivers for as long as anyone can remember. You get demerit points when you are convicted of breaking certain driving laws, and when you’re convicted of more serious infractions of other driving laws. 

For example, you can expect to get demerit points every time you are convicted of racing. But you will generally only get demerit points for speeding when you are convicted of driving at more than 15 kms over the speed limit. 

Demerit points remain on your driving record for two years from the offence date. A conviction will stay on your record for three years from the date that you are convicted. Insurance companies calculate any increases to your insurance based on the number of convictions and the severity of the convictions on your driving record.

3 More Things You Should Know About Demerit Points

In a video game world where you need mega gazillions of points just to survive, 15 points doesn’t seem like much. But they’re enough to get your driver’s license suspended for 30 days. Then you’ll have to make arrangements and pay for alternate transportation during the license suspension, and potentially face higher insurance premiums when you get back behind the wheel. 

1. You Start with Zero Points – Again, drivers in Ontario earn points for being convicted of breaking driving laws according to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. If you have no demerit points, that’s as good as it gets.
   
   
2. How Many Points Do You Get When Convicted? The number of demerit points you get for any conviction depends on the seriousness of the offence. It is also up to a police officer’s discretion to reduce the charge on a traffic ticket so that you won’t get any demerit points if you are convicted. Here are some examples of offences and the demerit points they can add to your record.
   1. Failing to Signal a Turn – 2 demerit points
   2. Exceeding the Speed Limit by 30 to 49 kms – 4 demerit points
   3. Failing to Stop When Signalled or Asked by a Police Officer – 7 demerit points
      
      
3. You Should Get Legal Advice – As we pointed out above, the implications of demerit points on your driving record can have a serious impact on your ability to get around (how are you going to get to work now?) and finances. It pays to invest in qualified legal advice and representation to avoid any convictions that involve demerit points.

X-Copper can help fight for the best possible outcome for any case. If you’ve been convicted of an infraction and received demerit points, let our team fight for you.
If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about how long a speeding ticket stays on your record in Ontario.