Traffic Offences
Failing to Signal in Ontario
Not using a turn signal before changing lanes, turning, or stopping is one of Ontario’s lower-point offences, but it’s still a moving conviction that can be charged on its own or alongside another ticket.
Quick answer: Failing to signal — not using a turn signal before changing lanes, turning, or stopping — carries 2 demerit points on conviction, one of the lowest values in Ontario’s schedule. It’s a compliance and predictability offence rather than one tied to a specific dangerous manoeuvre, which is part of why it sits at the bottom of the point scale.
Key Takeaways
- Carries 2 demerit points on conviction — among the lowest values in Ontario’s schedule.
- Applies to turns, lane changes, and stops alike, not just turning at an intersection.
- Doesn't require a collision or near-miss to be charged on its own.
- Frequently charged alongside an improper turn or unsafe lane change from the same manoeuvre.
What this offence covers
Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act requires a driver to signal before turning, changing lanes, or stopping, so that other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians nearby can anticipate what the vehicle is about to do. A conviction for failing to signal generally means an officer observed a turn, lane change, or stop made without the turn signal being used — it doesn’t require that the manoeuvre itself was unsafe or that anyone was actually put at risk. That’s part of what separates it from a related offence like an unsafe lane change, which focuses on whether the movement itself was reasonably safe given traffic and conditions, not just whether a signal was used.
Demerit points
A failing-to-signal conviction carries 2 demerit points, placing it alongside failing to wear a seatbelt as one of the two lowest point values in Ontario’s schedule. See our 2-point offences guide for how this compares to other low-range convictions, and the full demerit-point chart for the complete schedule.
Often charged alongside other offences
Because failing to signal frequently accompanies another manoeuvre, it’s common for an officer to issue this charge together with a related one from the same brief encounter — most often an improper turn or an unsafe lane change. Each is generally treated as a separate offence with its own point value, even when they arise from the same few seconds of driving.
How to Fight a Failing to Signal Ticket
Because this offence turns on a specific, narrow factual question — was the signal used, and if so, was it used with enough advance notice — the officer’s vantage point and the specific wording of the charge are usually central. Requesting disclosure to see the officer’s notes on exactly what was observed is a reasonable starting point, as described in the general process for fighting a ticket. This is general information only and isn’t an assessment of any specific ticket.
Insurance and Licence Impact
At 2 demerit points, this is one of the lower-impact convictions on a driving record, and its effect on insurance pricing is generally more modest than a mid- or high-point offence. It’s still a moving conviction, though, and insurers can factor it into renewal pricing, particularly alongside other convictions on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a collision or near-miss to be charged with failing to signal?
No. This offence can be charged simply for not signalling a turn, lane change, or stop, regardless of whether anyone else was actually affected.
Is failing to signal the same as an improper turn?
No, they're generally treated as separate offences, though they can be charged together if an officer observes both during the same manoeuvre. See our improper turns guide for how that offence differs.
How many demerit points does this carry?
2 demerit points on conviction, one of the lowest values in Ontario's schedule. See our demerit-point chart for the full schedule.
Sources
Charged With Failing to Signal?
If you’ve been charged and want to discuss your options with a traffic ticket lawyer, reach out now for a free consultation.