Fight a speeding ticket in Ontario
Speeding tickets affect your demerit points, your insurance and, for some drivers, your licence. Find out your options before you pay.
Speeding demerit points in Ontario
| Speed over the limit | Demerit points |
|---|---|
| 1 to 15 km/h over | 0 |
| 16 to 29 km/h over | 3 |
| 30 to 49 km/h over | 4 |
| 50 km/h or more over (or 40 or more where the limit is under 80 km/h) | Stunt driving charge, 6 points. See stunt driving |
Fines are set by the number of kilometres over the limit, and they are increased in community safety zones and in construction zones when workers are present.
When it is worth getting help
- The points would put you near a warning or suspension threshold
- You are a novice (G1 or G2) driver, or you drive commercially
- You drive for work, or a clean record matters for your insurance
- You believe the reading, the signage or the stop was wrong
Your options with a speeding ticket
| Your option | What it means | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Pay the ticket | You plead guilty and are convicted. | Demerit points and insurance effects can follow. Get advice before paying if your record matters. |
| Meet the prosecutor | An early resolution meeting, where a reduced charge or penalty may be discussed. | An offer is possible, never promised. Reviewing disclosure first shows what to ask for. |
| Ask for a trial | The prosecution must prove its case, and the evidence can be challenged. | It takes longer and carries risk. Both are explained before you decide. |
What the service includes
- Review of the ticket, deadlines and the points involved.
- A request for disclosure, including the officer’s notes and information about the speed measurement.
- A clear explanation of realistic options and the risk of each.
- Negotiation with the prosecutor, or representation at trial.
Frequently asked questions
How many demerit points do I get for speeding in Ontario?
Speeding 1 to 15 km/h over the limit carries no demerit points. 16 to 29 km/h over carries 3 points, and 30 to 49 km/h over carries 4 points. Going 50 km/h or more over is treated as stunt driving, with 6 points and much heavier penalties.
How long do I have to respond to a speeding ticket?
Usually 15 days from the date on the ticket. The ticket shows the exact dates that apply. If the deadline has passed, reach out anyway, because there may still be options.
Will a speeding ticket raise my insurance?
A conviction can raise your premiums, sometimes for several years, depending on your insurer and how far over the limit you were. Resolving the ticket before you plead guilty can matter for your record and your rates.
Do speed camera tickets carry demerit points?
Automated speed camera tickets are generally issued to the vehicle owner and do not carry demerit points. Tickets issued by an officer do.
Do I have to attend court for a speeding ticket?
Often not. In many cases a licensed paralegal can appear on your behalf, though some hearings need you to attend, for example to give evidence. What applies to your ticket is confirmed up front.
Got a speeding ticket? Send the details.
Include the date on the ticket and the speed alleged. The deadline and your options are confirmed first.