Ontario demerit points and insurance rates is another popular topic of conversations and confusion. Whether one acquires a 3 point or 0 point offence does not make a difference in terms of how insurance rates will be affected. Simply stating that Ontario demerits do not play a role in the increase of insurance premiums is not entirely correct.
There is a link between Ontario demerit points and insurance rates. The accumulation of points can result in a licence suspension, and licence suspensions can increase rates. The increase in premium depends on the insurance company and the type and length of suspension from traffic ticket conviction.
How many points will suspend a driving licence? It depends. Holders of G1 or G2 drivers can lose their licence for up to 60 days for the accumulation of 9 points on their record, and for up to six months if 9 points are accumulated again. A fully licenced driver can lose his/her licence if 15 points are reached. It is important to understand that traffic courts do not have authority to remove or reduce Ontario demerit points. Many drivers charged with Ontario traffic ticket believe that traffic courts can save their Ontario demerit points. It is NOT TRUE. Reduction of points occurs when the offence charged is changed to another offence that does not carry demerits. The Ministry of Transportation website outlines demerit points table and various suspensions flowing from the accumulation of points.
Licence suspensions can also be effected as a result of a single traffic ticket conviction which results in more than 4 points. These suspensions are only applicable to G1 and G2 class holders. In the event of a first conviction a 30 day suspension will be applied, 90 days for the second, and the licence cancelled for a third occurrence. Once again, traffic court does not have jurisdiction to waive it.
How long demerit points stay on record?
If you have accumulated points it is not going to last forever. Points extend for 2 years from the date of the offence but applied against the driver's licence only at the time of conviction. It is obvious, it pays to fight traffic tickets from this perspective.
Demerit points do not affect insurance rates directly but they play a significant role in the determination of whether licence suspensions are issued thus insurance rate increases. Protect your Ontario demerit points and keep your licence clean.
There is a link between Ontario demerit points and insurance rates. The accumulation of points can result in a licence suspension, and licence suspensions can increase rates. The increase in premium depends on the insurance company and the type and length of suspension from traffic ticket conviction.
How many points will suspend a driving licence? It depends. Holders of G1 or G2 drivers can lose their licence for up to 60 days for the accumulation of 9 points on their record, and for up to six months if 9 points are accumulated again. A fully licenced driver can lose his/her licence if 15 points are reached. It is important to understand that traffic courts do not have authority to remove or reduce Ontario demerit points. Many drivers charged with Ontario traffic ticket believe that traffic courts can save their Ontario demerit points. It is NOT TRUE. Reduction of points occurs when the offence charged is changed to another offence that does not carry demerits. The Ministry of Transportation website outlines demerit points table and various suspensions flowing from the accumulation of points.
Licence suspensions can also be effected as a result of a single traffic ticket conviction which results in more than 4 points. These suspensions are only applicable to G1 and G2 class holders. In the event of a first conviction a 30 day suspension will be applied, 90 days for the second, and the licence cancelled for a third occurrence. Once again, traffic court does not have jurisdiction to waive it.
How long demerit points stay on record?
If you have accumulated points it is not going to last forever. Points extend for 2 years from the date of the offence but applied against the driver's licence only at the time of conviction. It is obvious, it pays to fight traffic tickets from this perspective.
Demerit points do not affect insurance rates directly but they play a significant role in the determination of whether licence suspensions are issued thus insurance rate increases. Protect your Ontario demerit points and keep your licence clean.
Great post about impact of demerit points. Thanks.
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