Ontario Traffic Tickets - Demerit Points

Drivers convicted of certain driving-related offences have demerit points recorded on their records. It is a common misconception that drivers "lose" points due to convictions for certain traffic offences. In fact, a driver begins with zero demerit points and accumulates demerit points for convictions. Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date. If you collect enough points, you can lose your driver's licence. Below is a table outlining the demerit point penalties for driving offences:

7 Points
Failing to remain at the scene of a collision	Failing to stop when signaled/requested by a police officer
6 Points
Careless Driving	Racing
Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more	Failing to stop for a school bus
5 Points
Driver of a bus failing to stop at an unprotected railway crossing
4 Points
Exceeding the speed limit by 30 to 49 km/h	Following too closely
3 Points
Exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h	Driving through, around or under a railway crossing barrier
Failing to yield the right-of-way	Failing to obey a stop sign, traffic light or railway crossing signal
Failing to obey the directions of a police officer	Driving the wrong way on a divided road
Failing to report a collision to a police officer	Improper driving when road is divided into lanes
Crowding the driver's seat	Going the wrong way on a one-way road
Driving or operating a vehicle on a closed road	Crossing a divided road where no proper crossing is provided
2 Points
Improper opening of a vehicle door	Prohibited turns
Towing people - on toboggans, bicycles, skis, etc.	Failing to obey signs
Failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing	Failing to share the road
Improper right turn	Improper left turn
Failing to signal	Unnecessary slow driving
Reversing on a divided high-speed road	Driver failing to wear a seat belt
Driver failing to ensure that a passenger less than 23 kg is properly secured	Driver failing to ensure that a passenger under 16 years is wearing a seat belt

Demerit Points and New Drivers

As a Class G1, G2, M1 or M2 driver, if you get two or more demerit points, you will be sent a warning letter.
At six points, you may have to go to an interview to discuss your record. If you don't attend, your licence may be suspended.
At nine points, your licence will be suspended for 60 days. After the suspension, the number of points on your record will be reduced to four. Any additional points could again bring you to the interview level. If you reach nine points again, your licence can be suspended for six months.

Demerit Points and Fully Licensed Drivers

As a fully licensed driver, if you get six demerit points, you will be informed about your driving record.
At nine points, you may have to go to an interview to discuss your record and give reasons why your licence should not be suspended. You may also have to complete a driver re-examination (vision, knowledge and road tests). If you fail, your licence will be cancelled.
If you fail to attend an interview, or fail to give good reasons for keeping your licence, your licence may be suspended.
At 15 or more points, your licence will be suspended for 30 days from the date you surrender it to the Ministry of Transportation for the first suspension. You can lose your licence for up to two years if you fail to surrender your licence. A driver's licence may be surrendered at any Driver & Vehicle Licence Issuing Office.
After the suspension, the number of points on your record will be reduced to seven. Any extra points could again bring you to the interview level. If you reach 15 points again, your licence will be suspended for six months.