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Getting hit with a traffic ticket can feel overwhelming especially once you start hearing terms like “demerit points” thrown around. Most people know that a careless driving charge in Ontario under HTA s.130 is serious, but the real question is – what does it actually mean for your future behind the wheel? It’s not just about a fine. These charges can affect your insurance, your driving record, and even your licence. That’s why we’ve put together a simple, easy-to-follow explanation. Our goal is to help you understand careless driving demerit points so you understand exactly what’s at stake and how to protect your record.
Demerit points are part of a system used by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation to track how safely someone is driving. You start with zero points, and they’re added only when you’re convicted of certain traffic offences. A serious offence, like careless driving, can cause your points to climb quickly. These points are numbers that trigger official warnings, mandatory interviews, or even a suspension of your driver’s licence, if they add up to a set threshold. Understanding demerit points in Ontario is important, especially because accumulating careless driving demerit points can put your driving licence at risk. Keeping your record clean is key to keeping your driving privileges intact.
So the first question that comes to mind is what are the Careless driving demerit points in Ontario? A conviction for careless driving in Ontario automatically adds six demerit points to your record. This is one of the highest penalties for a single offence. This shows just how seriously the province treats this charge. To give you a sense of scale, offences like speeding 16–29 km/h over the limit or running a red light carry only three points. These six careless driving demerit points cannot be waived once you are convicted. They are a mandatory part of the penalty under provincial law. However, there is some room for hope, in the event if the charge can be reduced or amended through negotiation with the prosecutor or by successfully disputing it in court you may face fewer points or possibly avoid demerit points altogether.
The effects of careless driving demerit points do not end when you pay your fine. These points stay on your driving record for two full years from the date of the offence, and during that time they can influence your driving status. Insurance companies take point accumulation seriously and often see it as a sign of increased risk, which can lead to premium hikes. On top of that, your licence may be at risk if points continue to build. Fully licensed drivers face suspension at fifteen points, while G1 and G2 drivers are held to stricter limits just nine points can trigger a 60-day suspension. In short, these points can follow you longer than you might expect.
Receiving six careless driving demerit points can feel discouraging, but the good news is that there are ways to reduce or even remove them before they appear on your record. The key is to take action before a conviction happens. By challenging the charge in court, questioning the evidence, or negotiating with the prosecutor, it may be possible to have the offence reduced to something less serious often resulting in fewer points or no demerit points at all. Another approach is a plea deal, where the charge is replaced with a minor offence that carries a lower penalty. Taking early steps gives you the best chance to protect your driving record and avoid the long-term impact of demerit points in Ontario.
To preserve the defence options, it is absolutely critical to take prompt action:
15-Day Deadline: You have only a short period—typically 15 days from the date on your ticket—to file it with the court and request an Early Resolution meeting or set a trial date. If you miss this important deadline, the court may enter a default conviction against you, which means the penalties take effect right away.
Maximizing Defences: Getting help early gives your legal team time to act quickly, review the details of your charge thoroughly, and spot any weaknesses or possible defences before important information is lost or memories begin to fade.
Plea Bargain Strategy: Working with the Crown prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lesser offence—one with fewer or no demerit points—is usually most successful early in the process. Delaying your response can significantly reduce the chances of getting a favourable resolution.
Your driving future is absolutely worth protecting, and taking action by speaking with a legal professional right away gives you the strongest footing for the road ahead. To put it simply, if you’re facing careless driving in Ontario, don’t spend hours searching for answers online – just give us a call. Our experienced careless driving ticket lawyers or paralegals will review your situation and build the right defence strategy for you. Your initial CONSULTATION is 100% FREE.
Disclosure: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. While we strive to ensure the content is clear and accurate, laws, procedures, and interpretations can change over time, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. Reading this article does not create a paralegal–client relationship. If you are dealing with a legal matter or have questions about your specific circumstances, you should speak directly with a licensed lawyer or paralegal for personalized advice.
At Traffic Ticket Chopper, we’ve successfully helped countless Ontario drivers deal with careless driving, stunt driving, distracted driving, speeding tickets and other driving violations. We’ve consistently achieved positive results for drivers — reducing hefty penalties, getting charges withdrawn, and saving them from licence suspensions and significant fines. We know how stressful a traffic ticket can feel, so we take the time to explain your rights, answer your questions, and guide you through each step. Don’t rush to pay your ticket – paying means pleading guilty. Before you decide, get a 100% FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION from our experienced traffic ticket paralegal.