Guides & Resources
Ontario Traffic Ticket Glossary
Plain-language definitions for the terms you’ll run into on a ticket, a court notice, or anywhere else on this site.
This glossary covers terms commonly seen on an Ontario traffic ticket or discussed elsewhere on this site. Each entry links to a fuller explanation where one exists.
Glossary
- Certificate of Offence / Provincial Offence Notice (PON)
- The formal name for what's commonly just called a "ticket" -- the document setting out the alleged offence, fine, and response deadline. See how to read a traffic ticket.
- Set fine
- The fixed fine amount for a specific offence, which you can pay without going to court. Paying it is generally treated as a guilty plea.
- Demerit points
- Points added to a driving record on conviction for certain offences, which can trigger escalating consequences. See the demerit-point chart.
- Justice of the Peace
- The judicial officer who presides over most provincial offences matters, including traffic tickets. See what is a Justice of the Peace.
- Early resolution meeting
- A meeting with a prosecutor to discuss a ticket before trial, sometimes resulting in a reduced charge or fine. See what actually happens at an early resolution meeting.
- Disclosure
- The officer's notes and related evidence that the prosecution generally must make available before trial. See what disclosure means.
- Notice of Trial
- The notice confirming a scheduled trial date, generally sent after you file a Notice of Intention to Appear.
- Conviction
- A finding of guilt -- entered by paying the ticket, losing at a hearing or trial, or failing to respond at all. See conviction date vs. ticket date.
- Victim fine surcharge
- An additional charge commonly added on top of the base fine for many Highway Traffic Act tickets.
- Paralegal
- A licensed legal professional who can represent clients on most provincial offences matters, including traffic tickets. See paralegal vs. lawyer.
- CVOR
- Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration -- Ontario's safety-rating system for commercial carriers. See CVOR explained.
- Fine Option / payment arrangement
- General options some provincial offences offices may discuss with drivers who can't pay a fine in full by the deadline. See can't afford your fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a "ticket" the same as a "Certificate of Offence"?
Yes, "ticket" is the common term for what's formally called a Certificate of Offence or Provincial Offence Notice.
What's the difference between a set fine and a victim fine surcharge?
The set fine is the base amount for the specific offence. The victim fine surcharge is an additional charge commonly added on top of it.