When it comes to driving in Ontario, there are rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety of all road users. One such regulation is the license demerit point system, which is used to track traffic violations and penalize drivers who accumulate too many points. In this article, we will explore what license demerit points are, how they work, and how you can avoid accumulating them.
What are License Demerit Points?
License demerit points are points assigned to drivers who commit traffic violations in Ontario. These points are added to the driver’s record and remain on the record for three years from the date of the offense. The number of points assigned for each violation varies depending on the severity of the offense. For example, speeding tickets can result in between two and seven demerit points, while failing to stop for a school bus can result in six demerit points.
How does the License Demerit Point System work?
The License Demerit Point System is designed to penalize drivers who accumulate too many points. If a driver accumulates enough points, their license may be suspended or revoked. The number of points required for suspension or revocation varies depending on the type of license held. For example, a fully licensed driver who accumulates nine or more points within a two-year period may have their license suspended for 60 days. A novice driver, on the other hand, may have their license suspended for 30 days after accumulating six or more points. Certainly, we can explain the points deduction system in Ontario with the help of a table.
In Ontario, demerit points are assigned to drivers who violate traffic laws. These points can have a negative impact on your driving record and can result in higher insurance rates, license suspensions, or even revocation of your license. Demerit points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the offense.
Here’s a table that shows the demerit points assigned for different types of traffic violations in Ontario:
| Offense | Demerit Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding | |
| 16 to 29 km/h over the limit | 3 |
| 30 to 49 km/h over the limit | 4 |
| 50 km/h or more over the limit | 6 |
| Driving infractions | |
| Failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights on | 6 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign | 3 |
| Failing to yield right-of-way | 3 |
| Improper passing | 3 |
| Careless driving | 6 |
| Texting or using a handheld device while driving | 3 |
| Driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.05% | 3 |
| Failing to wear a seatbelt | 2 |
| Failing to properly secure a child in a car seat or seatbelt | 2 |
It’s important to note that demerit points are only one part of the equation when it comes to traffic violations. In addition to demerit points, you may also face fines, license suspensions, and increased insurance rates. It’s always best to obey traffic laws and drive safely to avoid any negative consequences.
How can you check your License Demerit Points?
It is essential to monitor your license demerit points regularly to avoid accumulating too many points and potentially losing your license. In Ontario, you can check your license demerit points online through ServiceOntario’s website. You can also request a driver’s abstract, which will show your license demerit points, from any ServiceOntario location.
How to avoid accumulating License Demerit Points?
The best way to avoid accumulating license demerit points is to follow the rules of the road and drive safely. This means obeying speed limits, coming to a complete stop at stop signs, and avoiding distracted driving, among other things. Additionally, taking a defensive driving course can help you improve your driving skills and reduce your risk of accumulating license demerit points.
Conclusion
License demerit points are a way to track traffic violations and penalize drivers who accumulate too many points. To avoid accumulating license demerit points in Ontario, it is essential to follow the rules of the road and drive safely. It is also important to regularly monitor your license demerit points to ensure that you do not accumulate too many and risk losing your license. By understanding the license demerit point system and taking steps to avoid accumulating points, you can keep yourself and other road users safe while driving.
