6-Point Offences in Ontario

Which offences carry 6 points

Several distinct offences share the 6-point value, and they cluster together for a reason: each involves either a deliberate disregard for other road users’ safety or a pattern of repeated non-compliance. They are: careless driving, racing or street racing, stunt driving, speeding 50 km/h or more over the posted limit, failing to stop for a school bus with its upper lights flashing, and a second conviction for distracted driving within 5 years.

Careless driving

Careless driving covers operating a vehicle without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for others on the road. It’s a broader charge than most specific offences on this list, often applied when a driver’s conduct falls short of a full dangerous-driving standard but goes beyond an isolated mistake.

Racing, street racing, and stunt driving

Racing and stunt-driving provisions target driving that’s inherently high-risk by design — excessive speed, aggressive manoeuvres, or competing with another vehicle. A stunt-driving charge in particular can carry consequences well beyond the 6 points, including an immediate roadside licence suspension and vehicle impoundment before the matter is even heard in court.

Speeding 50+ km/h over the limit

This is the top of Ontario’s speeding-penalty ladder: at 50 km/h or more over the posted limit, a conviction carries 6 points, and the offence often overlaps with stunt-driving provisions depending on the specific speed and posted limit involved.

Failing to stop for a school bus

When a school bus has its upper alternating lights flashing and stop-arm extended, traffic in both directions (with narrow exceptions on divided highways) must stop. A conviction for failing to do so carries 6 points, reflecting the serious risk to children boarding or exiting the bus.

Distracted driving — second conviction

A first distracted-driving conviction carries 3 points, but a second conviction within 5 years escalates to 6 points, reflecting the province’s stepped-up response to repeat offenders. As noted on our 3-point offences page, novice drivers face the same fines for distracted driving but do not receive demerit points for it at either the first or second conviction.

A serious-offence tier

Offences at 6 points and above generally fall within what Ontario treats as its most serious traffic offences, often carrying higher fines, court appearances rather than simple fine payment, and in some cases additional penalties beyond the demerit points themselves. See our serious traffic offences page for a broader look at this category.

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