Ontario Demerit Points List – How Many Points Do You Have?
Understanding the demerit point system in Ontario doesn’t have to be complicated. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how many demerit points you have, how the system works, and what happens if you get too many.
The most important thing to know right away: you start with zero demerit points and gain them when you’re found guilty of certain traffic offences. You don’t “lose” points, you accumulate them. If you accumulate too many, you can lose your licence.
Below, we’ve laid out the complete Ontario demerit points list, how points are applied differently for G1, G2, and G class drivers, and what you can do to protect your driving record.
What is a Demerit System?
The Demerit Point System in Ontario is a way for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to monitor your driving. All individuals who drive a vehicle in Ontario are subject to this system only when they are convicted of an offence under the Highway Traffic Act. The system is in place to encourage drivers to continue to improve their driving ability and ensure that drivers in Ontario are not abusing their privilege to drive.
Do You Gain or Lose Demerit Points?
You gain demerit points, you don’t lose them. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the Ontario demerit point system.
Every driver in Ontario starts with zero (0) demerit points on their record. When you are found guilty of a traffic offence under the Highway Traffic Act, demerit points are added to your driving record. The more serious the offence, the more points are added.
For example, a speeding ticket for going 16–29 km/h over the limit adds 3 demerit points to your record. A careless driving conviction adds 6 demerit points. The goal is to keep your demerit point total as low as possible, and the only way to do that is to fight your traffic ticket and avoid being found guilty.
How Demerit Points Work:
Many drivers want to know: how many demerit points can you have in Ontario before you lose your licence? For fully licensed G class drivers, your licence may be suspended for 30 days when you accumulate 15 demerit points. For G1 and G2 novice drivers, the threshold is much lower; your licence can be suspended at just 6 demerit points.
Demerit points are added (not lost), if you are found guilty of a traffic ticket offence. The amount of points you gain vary per charge. If you obtain too many demerit points, there is a possibility you could lose your licence. You start with zero (0) points and go up to fifteen (15).
Don’t assume that if the demerit points are not written on the ticket, there are no points associated with the charge. Police officers and the courts are not affiliated with the The Ministry of Transportation and therefore are not required to tell you or write on the ticket how many demerit points are associated with that charge.
If you receive a ticket in:
1. Other Canadian Provinces and Territories.
2. The State of New York.
3. The State of Michigan.
Demerit points can be assessed to your licence.
What Happens If I Get Out Of Province Demerit Points?
How Demerit Points Are Applied:
G1 and/or G2 Drivers (Novice Drivers):
As a novice driver you face different consequences.
2-5 Demerit Points:
• You are sent a warning letter.
• Likely that you will have to attend an interview hearing to discuss your driving record
6-8 Demerit Points:
• Your licence could be suspended.
30 Day Licence Suspension:
• Convicted of a four (4) or more demerit point traffic ticket.
• Convicted of a graduating licensing requirement.
60 Day Licence Suspension:
• You receive 9 or more demerit points.
Graduated Licensing Requirements
G Class Drivers:
As a fully licensed driver you can accumulate a total of 15 demerit points.
2-8 Demerit Points:
• You are sent a warning letter.
9-14 Demerit Points:
• Your licence could be suspended.
• May have to attend an interview to discuss your record.
15 or More Demerit Points:
• You are given a 30 day suspension.
Ontario Demerit Points Chart
We have listed below some of the most common charges laid by police officers and the amount of demerit points attached to them.
| Description Of Offence | Demerit Points |
| Failing to Remain at the Scene of a Collision | 7 |
| Failing to Stop When Signaled or Asked by a Police Officer | 7 |
| Careless Driving | 6 |
| Stunt Driving | 6 |
| Failing to Stop for a School Bus | 6 |
| Speeding: Exceeding Speed Limit by 50 km/hour or more | 6 |
| Fail to Stop at Railway Crossing | 5 |
| Speeding: Exceeding the Speed Limit by 30 to 49 km/hour | 4 |
| Following too Closely | 4 |
| Fail to Yield to Pedestrian | 4 |
| Speeding: Exceeding the Speed Limit by 16 to 29 km/hour | 3 |
| Driving While Holding or Using a Hand-held Wireless Communications Device | 3 |
| Unsafe Move – Lane or Shoulder | 3 |
| Driving Through, Around or Under a Railway Crossing Barrier | 3 |
| Driving the Wrong Way on a Divided Road | 3 |
| Driving or Operating a Vehicle on a Closed Road | 3 |
| Red Light – Fail to Stop | 3 |
| Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way | 3 |
| Disobey Stop Sign | 3 |
| Failing to Obey a Traffic Control Stop/Slow Sign, Traffic Light or Railway Crossing Signal | 3 |
| Failing to Obey the Directions of a Police Officer | 3 |
| Failing to Report a Collision to a Police Officer | 3 |
| Failing to Slow and Carefully Pass a Stopped Emergency Vehicle or a Tow Truck With its Amber Lights Flashing | 3 |
| Failing to Move, Where Possible, Into Another Lane When Passing a Stopped Emergency Vehicle or a Tow Truck With its Amber Lights Flashing | 3 |
| Improper Passing | 3 |
| Improper Use of a High Occupancy Vehicle Lane | 3 |
| Going the Wrong Way on a One-way Road | 3 |
| Crowding the Driver’s Seat | 3 |
| Improper Right Turn | 2 |
| Improper Left Turn | 2 |
| Improper Opening of a Vehicle Door | 2 |
| Prohibited Turns | 2 |
| Towing of Persons on Toboggans, Bicycles, Skis, etc. | 2 |
| Unnecessary Slow Driving | 2 |
| Backing Up on Highway | 2 |
| Failing to Lower Headlamp Beams | 2 |
| Disobey Sign | 2 |
| Failing to Stop at a Pedestrian Crossing | 2 |
| Failing to Share the Road | 2 |
| Failing to Signal | 2 |
| Driver Failing to Wear a Seat Belt | 2 |
| Driver Failing to Ensure Infant/Child Passenger is Properly Secured | 2 |
Ontario Speeding Tickets and Points
Determining the amount of demerit points you receive is reflective of how fast you were traveling.
The faster you were traveling, the more demerit points will be assessed.
| Speed Range | Demerit Points |
| 0 to 15 km/hour Over Speed Limit |
|
| 16 to 29 kh/hour Over Speed Limit |
|
| 30 to 49 km/hour Over Speed Limit |
|
| 50 km/hour Over Speed Limit |
|
| Stunt Driving or Racing |
|
How to Check Your Demerit Points in Ontario
Your demerit points are not written on your traffic ticket. Police officers are not required to tell you how many points a charge carries, and if they do, they are sometimes wrong. The only way to know exactly how many demerit points you currently have is to check your driver’s record.
Step 1: Go to the Service Ontario website at ontario.ca/page/order-drivers-record.
Step 2: Order the 3-year uncertified driver’s record. This is the fastest and most affordable option — you will receive it immediately online after purchase.
Step 3: Review your record. It will show any traffic ticket convictions and the demerit points currently on your licence.
Keep in mind that demerit points only appear on your record after you have been found guilty of the offence. If you have a traffic ticket that is still before the court, those potential demerit points will not show up yet. This is another reason to fight the ticket; while it is in the court process, no points are added to your record.
How Long Do Demerit Points Stay on Your Record in Ontario?
Demerit points stay on your driving record for two (2) years from the date of the offence. After two years, they are automatically removed. You do not need to do anything; the Ministry of Transportation removes them on its own.
However, there is an important distinction. While the demerit points are removed after two years, the traffic ticket conviction itself stays on your driving record for three (3) years from the date you were found guilty. This is what your insurance company looks at when determining your rates. So even after the demerit points are gone, the conviction can still affect your insurance for an additional year.
This is one of the key reasons why fighting your traffic ticket matters. If the charge is withdrawn or dismissed, no demerit points are added, and no conviction appears on your driving history.
Can Demerit Points Be Removed in Ontario?
No. Demerit points cannot be removed early from your driving record. Once you are found guilty of a traffic offence, the points remain on your record for the full two (2) year period from the date of the offence. There is no course, payment, or application that will remove them sooner.
The only way to avoid demerit points entirely is to fight the traffic ticket and have the charge withdrawn or dismissed before a conviction is entered. This is why we always recommend choosing the trial option instead of paying the ticket or accepting early resolution.
If you have recently received a traffic ticket and are concerned about demerit points, contact us at 905-738-7171 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Demerit Points in Ontario
Q: How many demerit points do you start with in Ontario?
A: You start with zero (0) demerit points. Points are added to your record when you are found guilty of certain traffic offences under the Highway Traffic Act. You do not lose points; you gain them.
Q: How many demerit points do you need to lose your licence in Ontario?
A: For fully licensed G class drivers, your licence may be suspended for 30 days at 15 demerit points. For G1 and G2 novice drivers, a licence suspension can happen at just 6 demerit points. A single conviction carrying 4 or more points can also trigger an automatic 30-day suspension for novice drivers.
Q: How long do demerit points stay on your record in Ontario?
A: Demerit points remain on your driving record for two (2) years from the date of the offence and are then automatically removed. However, the traffic ticket conviction stays on your record for three (3) years, which is what insurance companies review.
Q: How do I check my demerit points in Ontario?
A: Order a copy of your driver’s record through Service Ontario online at ontario.ca/page/order-drivers-record. The 3-year uncertified driver’s record is the fastest option and is available immediately after purchase. Your demerit points are not printed on your traffic ticket.
Q: How many demerit points is a speeding ticket in Ontario?
A: It depends on how far over the speed limit you were driving. Going 1–15 km/h over carries 0 points. Going 16–29 km/h over carries 3 points. Going 30–49 km/h over carries 4 points. Going 50 km/h or more over carries 6 points and is classified as stunt driving.
Q: Can demerit points be removed from your record in Ontario?
A: No. Demerit points cannot be removed early. They stay on your record for two years from the offence date. The only way to avoid demerit points is to fight the traffic ticket and have the charge withdrawn or dismissed before you are found guilty.
Q: What is the possible result of 2 to 5 demerit points for new drivers?
A: If you are a G1 or G2 novice driver and accumulate 2 to 5 demerit points, you will be sent a warning letter from the Ministry of Transportation. You may also be required to attend an interview hearing to discuss your driving record. At 6 or more points, your licence could be suspended.
Q: How many demerit points for following too closely in Ontario?
A: Following too closely carries 4 demerit points. For G1 and G2 novice drivers, this is especially serious because a single conviction of 4 or more demerit points triggers an automatic 30-day licence suspension.
Related Articles:
- 11 Careless Driving Ontario Facts: Penalties & Fines
- 13 Stunt Driving Ontario Facts: Speed, Penalties & Fines
- Traffic Tickets Toronto
- Stop Sign Ticket Ontario: $110 Fine & 3 Demerit Points
- 7 Red Light Ticket Ontario Facts: Camera vs Officer Fines
- Disobey Sign Ticket Ontario: $110 Fine & 2 Demerit Points
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Updated March 2026
15 Response(s) for “Ontario Demerit Points List – How Many Points Do You Have?”
Got a fail to obey stop sign ticket. Is there anything that can be done? I did a roll over on the stop sign. There was no one it was dark.
Hi, anything for not having proper headlights on when required?
Hello Jordan, this charge is called “Drive without Proper Headlights – Motor Vehicle” and is section 62(1) of the Highway Traffic Act. This charge has zero (0) demerit points attached to it. However, there is a fine of $85.00.
Do I get points for a dirty plate in Ontario
Hello Ray, this charge is called “Obstruct Plate” and is section 13(2) of the Highway Traffic Act. This charge has zero (0) demerit points attached to it. However, there is a fine of $85.00.
How many points for hitting a human by accident??
Hello Tyler, I would be happy to assist. What were you charged with?
I have been given two tickets together for 1. Drive with improper headlights HTA 62(6) and 2. Disobey sign HTA 182 (2) how many demerit points will I get ?
Hello Harpreet, the charge of improper headlights HTA 62(6) does not carry any demerit points. However, the charge of Disobey Sign 182 (2) carries 2 demerit points.
Hello,
Yesterday I met with an unusual situation. The streetcar was at halt on the red light signal. The driver didn’t open the doors then, so I assumed that he was waiting for the signal to go green. I wanted to take a right turn so I went to right side of the streetcar and waited for the signal to go green, as free right turn was not permitted. As the signal went green, I resumed my travel and I saw the red lights on the door of the streetcar blink suddenly. The doors were still in closed state as I passed by, cause I was already more than halfway of the streetcar waiting for the signal to go green. I probably heard the streetcar driver honk loudly. This is my first time, I don’t know if the honk was for me or the other car that followed me and I dont know if I’m at fault here. Would I be charged for this? How would the TTC fine me for this? How long would it take for the fine to arrive my place? Thanks very much.
Hello Rajiv, we would be happy to assist you. Please give our office a call to book a free consultation and we can answer all your questions. Thank you
What can I do if i know that I stopped at a stop sign an than got polled over by a police officer saying that I didn’t stop please let me know thanks
Hello Robert, we would be happy to assist you. Please give our office a call to book a free consultation and we can answer all your questions. Thank you
I have a speeding ticket already and the demerit points for that is 3. Now i got ticket for not stopping at stop sign. The officer told that i will be getting 2 demerit points whereas here it says 3. In total if i get 6 demerit points, will my license get suspended? Iam a G license holder. How will my insurance company will get to know about it? Only if i change the service provider and not during the renewal?
Hello Lokesh,
Commonly the Ministry of Transportation will send you a letter to correct your driving when you receive 8-10 demerit points on your record. Your insurance company will be required to pull your abstract to determine what convictions you have on your record.
Thank you.