Ontario License Demerit Points Explained: What Every Driver Needs to Know

ontario licence demerit points

ontario licence demerit points

If you’re a licensed driver in Ontario, understanding the demerit point system is essential for maintaining a clean driving record. Ontario’s demerit point system helps enforce safe driving practices and penalizes poor driving behaviour. But how exactly does it work, and how many points lead to penalties like license suspension?

Here in this blog post, we will discuss everything that you must know about Ontario demerit points, including how they are earned, the impact on your license, and how not to have them.

What Are Demerit Points?

Demerit points are a system used by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to monitor and evaluate driving habits. What most people think is that you do not lose points—you accumulate them for driving offenses. The more serious the offense, the more points on your driving record.

They stay on your record for two years from the time of the offense.

How Many Demerit Points for Every Offence?

Let’s list the most common offences and their corresponding demerit points:

7 Demerit Points

Leaving collision scene

This is one of the most serious offences. Leaving the site of an accident is not only illegal, but very risky.

Failure to stop for police

Disobedience of a police sign or refusal to halt may lead to criminal offence charges on top of these 7 points.

6 Demerit Points

Careless driving

It is driving without due attention or reasonable regard for others.

Racing

Street racing or stunt driving is illegal and heavily penalized.

Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more

High-speed offences are extremely serious due to the increased likelihood of severe accidents.

Failure to stop for a school bus

Failure to stop for a school bus picking up or dropping off children is extremely dangerous.

5 Demerit Points

Bus driver failing to stop at an unprotected railway crossing

A highly specific but very important provision to ensure public safety, especially for the carriage of passengers.

4 Demerit Points

Exceeding the limit by 30–49 km/h

Following too closely (tailgating)

These offenses are indicative of aggressive driving and can easily result in accidents.

3 Demerit Points

Passing over, around, or under a railway crossing barrier

Failure to yield to the right-of-way

Passing, turning, or riding in a bike lane inappropriately

Speeding 16–29 km/h over the limit

Failure to comply with stop signs or traffic control signals

Failure to signal

2 Demerit Points

Inadequate right or left turn

Inadequate opening of a vehicle door

Seatbelt failure to wear

Slow driving (slowing traffic unnecessarily)

You drive in the opposite direction on a one-way street or turn around on a highway

What Happens When You Get Demerit Points?

The consequences depend on the number of points and your driver’s class.

For Fully Licensed Drivers (Class G)

2 to 8 points: The MTO will mail you a warning letter.

9 to 14 points: You may be asked to report for an interview explaining your driving habits. Failure to report may result in suspension of your license.

15+ points: Your driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days.

For New Drivers (Class G1, G2, M1, M2)

2 to 5 points: Warning letter.

6 to 8 points: You may have to report for an interview.

9+ points: Suspension of your license for 60 days.

Note: You’ll have to re-apply and remit fees later to regain your license.

How Long Do Demerit Points Last on Your Record?

Demerit points will last on your driving record for two years since the offence was committed. But the conviction itself (such as speeding ticket) can remain on your driving abstract longer—up to 3 years or more.

Can Demerit Points Affect My Insurance?

Yes. Your driving record, including your demerit points, is considered by insurance firms when deciding on premiums. Accruing a few points can lead to higher rates or policy cancellation. More serious offenses (e.g., careless driving or stunt driving) are particularly damaging.

How to Check Your Demerit Points in Ontario

You can check your demerit points by ordering a driver’s abstract online at:

VerifiedDL.com – a trusted website that helps you obtain legitimate driver documents and replacements securely and conveniently.

How to Avoid Demerit Points

Be constant in following speed and traffic light regulations.

Avoid distractions or rage driving.

Signal your turns and give way to bike paths.

Don’t try to “beat” the school bus or run red lights.

Take a defensive driving course—some insurance providers even offer this with a discount.

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s demerit system is in place to ensure road safety by discouraging unsafe driving habits. Understanding points—how points work, how long they stay on your record, and how they affect your license—can assist you in keeping your driving record spotless.

If you ever need help viewing your record or replacing a lost license, utilize VerifiedDL.com—a fast, safe, and effective method utilized and endorsed by many Canadians.

Drive safely, stay alert, and keep those points off your driving record!