Demerit Points

Each Canadian province employs some variation of a demerit point system to monitor and manage driver behaviour. Not all traffic offences are subject to demerit points, and minor convictions carry fewer demerits than major ones. In some provinces, demerit points are also assigned if a driver is found to be responsible for a collision. If a driver hits the demerit point threshold, their licence can be suspended.

If a commercial vehicle is being driven when a moving violation occurs, carrier sanctions may also be imposed; commercial points impact a company’s risk factor and ability to do business, which can prove very costly. Completing a defensive driving program can mitigate the accumulation of demerit points, but doing so will not insulate a driver from insurance premium increases, nor will it insulate a carrier’s safety profile.

In some provinces, drivers accumulate demerits upon conviction, and in other provinces, drivers lose demerits upon conviction. Some provinces share driving records with one another, while others do not. Even the number of demerit points assigned to the same infraction can vary from one province to another. This lack of consistency can be frustrating and confusing.

The consequences of a conviction depend on the quantity, seriousness, and frequency of offences on a driver or carrier’s record. Ticket Busters can assess your unique situation and help guide your decision-making to secure the best outcome for all involved. Don’t delay; request a quote today!