There’s one simple thing to know about Ontario’s demerit point system: you don’t want points on your licence.
Demerit points are added to your driving record after you’re convicted of certain driving offences.
Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation uses the system to encourage safer driving habits and help identify drivers who repeatedly break the rules.
The good news? Demerit points aren’t permanent. The bad news? Enough points have serious consequences, especially for new drivers.
How long do demerit points stay on your record in Ontario?
In Ontario, demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date (not the conviction date).
That means even if your ticket takes time to resolve, the two-year clock starts on the day the offence happened.
How to check your demerit points in Ontario
You can
check your demerit points by ordering your driving record through Service Ontario (online, in person, or by mail).
Common driver record options and costs include:
- 3-year driver record (uncertified): $12 (often available immediately online/in person)
- 3-year driver record (certified): $18 (processed and mailed can take up to 15 business days)
- Complete driver record: $48 (uncertified) or $54 (certified)
What’s the maximum number of demerit points in Ontario?
Fully licensed drivers (G / M): A fully licensed driver can reach 15 demerit points, which triggers an automatic suspension. Here’s what typically happens:
- 2 to 8 points: warning letter
- 9 to 14 points: you may be asked to attend an interview (and your licence may be suspended)
- 15 or more points: automatic licence suspension (commonly 30 days)
Novice drivers (G1/G2, M1/M2): Ontario is stricter with new drivers.
- 2 to 5 points: warning letter
- 6 to 8 points: second warning letter
- 9 or more points: 60-day suspension
Not all tickets come with demerit points
Some tickets come with fines, but no points, and some offences are serious even if they don’t include demerit points.
Also important: demerit points don’t apply unless you’re convicted. If you fight a ticket and it’s withdrawn or dismissed, no demerit points are added.
Common demerit point examples in Ontario
Here are a few examples drivers often ask about:
Speeding
- 3 points: 16 to 29 km/h over the posted speed limit
- 4 points: 30 to 49 km/h over the posted speed limit
- 6 points: 50 km/h or more over the posted speed limit
Distracted driving
Using a handheld device (like a phone) is commonly listed as 3 demerit points, plus major fines and other penalties.
Seatbelt offence
Not wearing a seatbelt is commonly a 2-point offence (and drivers can be charged if passengers under 16 aren’t properly buckled).
Do demerit points affect car insurance in Ontario?
Not directly. Insurance companies mostly rate you based on convictions, not your total demerit points. That means you could get:
- a conviction with points
- a conviction without points
- or a serious situation that affects your insurance, even if points don’t apply
For example:
- Red light camera tickets usually go to the registered owner and may not impact insurance the same way as a conviction tied to a driver would.
- Driving without insurance can seriously increase future premiums, even though demerit points may not be the main factor.
- Impaired driving is treated as a serious Criminal Code offence and can have long-term consequences beyond points.
Ontario’s demerit point system is designed to encourage safer driving by adding points to your record when you’re convicted of certain offences. Auto insurance rates are typically affected by the number of convictions rather than the number of points. The bottom line is to drive safely and avoid demerit point offences.