Speeding
Speeding
Exceeding the posted speed limit. Both the fine and demerit points generally scale with how far over the limit you were driving.
Learn more →Traffic Offences
Ontario Traffic Offences
Most Ontario traffic tickets are issued under the Highway Traffic Act. Offences range from minor, fine-only violations to serious offences that can suspend a licence immediately. Here’s a plain-language look at the offences drivers ask about most.
How Ontario traffic offences are generally structured
Most traffic tickets in Ontario come from the Highway Traffic Act, though some serious driving behaviour can also fall under the Criminal Code (impaired driving, for example, isn’t a provincial offence at all). A Highway Traffic Act conviction typically carries a fine and, for many offences, demerit points added to your driving record. Some offences — stunt driving and driving while suspended among them — carry additional consequences like an immediate roadside licence suspension, separate from anything a court later decides.
The fine, points, and any licence consequence depend on the specific offence, so it’s worth reading the exact wording on your ticket rather than assuming based on what a similar-sounding offence usually carries. See the Ontario demerit-point chart for point values by offence.
Common Ontario traffic offences
Serious Offence
Careless Driving
Driving without due care and attention. A broad offence that can carry 6 demerit points and a licence suspension.
Learn more →Serious Offence
Stunt Driving
Driving in a way the Highway Traffic Act defines as a stunt, including extreme speeding. Can carry an immediate roadside suspension.
Learn more →Distraction
Distracted Driving
Using a hand-held device or otherwise being distracted behind the wheel. Novice and fully licensed drivers are treated differently.
Learn more →Failure to Stop
Failure to Stop
Failing to stop when required, including for a police officer signalling you to pull over.
Learn more →Signals
Red-Light Offences
Entering an intersection after the light turns red. Officer-issued tickets carry demerit points; camera-issued tickets don’t.
Learn more →Following Distance
Following Too Closely
Driving too close to the vehicle ahead for road and traffic conditions.
Learn more →Insurance
Driving Without Insurance
Operating a vehicle without the mandatory insurance Ontario requires — one of the more heavily fined offences.
Learn more →Serious Offence
Driving While Suspended
Driving during a period when your licence is already suspended.
Learn more →Seatbelts
Seatbelt Offences
Failing to wear a seatbelt, or allowing a passenger to ride without one when required.
Learn more →Serious Offence
Failing to Remain
Leaving the scene of a collision without stopping to exchange information or provide assistance.
Learn more →Turns
Improper Turns
Making a turn in a way that isn’t permitted or safe at that location.
Learn more →Lane Changes
Unsafe Lane Changes
Changing lanes in a way that isn’t reasonably safe given traffic and conditions.
Learn more →School Zones
School-Bus Offences
Passing a stopped school bus with its upper lights flashing — one of the more heavily penalized offences.
Learn more →Serious Offence
Street Racing
Racing another vehicle on a public road — treated as a serious offence separate from stunt driving.
Learn more →Serious Offence
Commercial Vehicle Offences
Additional Highway Traffic Act rules for trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles, which can also affect a carrier’s safety rating.
Learn more →