Learn More About the Ontario Demerit System By Martha Vasquez At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

In Ontario, when one receives a traffic ticket, there can be more repercussions than just a fine. One such repercussion is the accumulation of demerit appoints. Demerit points accumulate against your driver’s license when you are convicted of a traffic ticket charge such as speeding or reckless driving. The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario determines the amount of demerit points for each specific traffic ticket.

A driver begins with zero demerit points and accumulates demerit points for convictions. When a driver is convicted of a particular traffic offence, the demerit points are entered into their record. Demerit points will stay on the drivers record for two years.

There are a number of demerit points applied for each type of traffic violation. When one accumulates 9 demerit points on the driver’s license, the Ministry of Transportation of may call to arrange a meeting to hear an explanation of why their driver’s license should not be suspended. If one acquires 15 or more points and it is a first suspension, the license will be suspended for 30 days from the date the license is surrendered to the Ministry of Transportation. Drivers can lose their license for up to two years if they fail to surrender their license.

The following is a list of traffic violations that results in specific demerit points as listed on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Website (www.mto.gov.on.ca):

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 seatbelt

As a driver, you are required to obey all of Ontario’s traffic laws. If you fail to follow them, you could end up with extremely high fines and losing your driver’s license.

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