Careless driving in Ontario can do more than just land you a ticket – it can pile up demerit points on your driving record, leading to higher insurance costs and even the risk of losing your licence. Knowing how these points can affect you is important if you’ve been charged.
In this article, we’ll cut through the confusion and give you a clear understanding of careless driving demerit points and what you can do to protect your driving record.
How Many Demerit Points for Careless Driving in Ontario?
If you’re convicted of careless driving charge in Ontario, you’ll receive 6 demerit points on your driving record. This is one of the highest point penalties for a single offence, reflecting the seriousness of the charge.
To put it in perspective, here’s how careless driving stacks up against other common traffic offences:
- Speeding 16-29 km/h over the limit: 3 demerit points
- Running a red light: 3 demerit points
- Failing to remain at the scene of a collision: 7 demerit points
You will automatically receive 6 demerit points for careless driving on your driving record. Demerit points are a mandatory part of the penalty for a careless driving conviction, and there’s no way to avoid them if you’re found guilty.
However, if the charge is reduced to a lesser offence through negotiation or by fighting the ticket in court, the demerit points may be lower or, in some cases, not applied at all.
Accumulating these 6 careless driving points can have immediate and long-term effects, making it crucial to understand what they mean for your driving record and how they can impact you down the road.
Long-Term Impact of Careless Driving Ontario Demerit Points
Careless driving ticket points don’t just disappear once you’ve paid the ticket. They can have lasting effects that go beyond your driving record.
- Duration on your driving record: Careless driving demerit points in Ontario stay on your driving record for two years from the date of the offence. During this time, they can influence various aspects of your driving privileges.
- Impact on insurance premiums: Insurance companies consider demerit points when assessing your risk as a driver. Accumulating points, especially from a serious charge like careless driving, can lead to higher insurance premiums. Even a single conviction can significantly increase your costs.
- Risk of licence suspension: Ontario’s demerit point system is strict, particularly for novice drivers with G1 or G2 licences:
- For fully licensed drivers: If you accumulate 9 points, you’ll receive a warning letter from the Ministry of Transportation. Reach 15 points, and you face an automatic licence suspension.
- For G1 and G2 drivers: The rules are tougher. At 6 points, you’ll receive a warning letter. Accumulate 9 points, and your licence will be suspended for 60 days. If it happens again, your licence could be revoked entirely.
How to Reduce or Remove Careless Driving Charge Demerit Points?
A careless driving charge brings with it the burden of 6 demerit points, which can feel overwhelming. But there are ways to lessen that impact. Whether it’s fighting the charge or exploring other options, here’s how X-COPS can protect your driving record:
- Fight the charge in court: One of the best ways to avoid demerit points is to fight the charge in court. By challenging the evidence or negotiating with the prosecutor, we can aim to have the charge reduced to something less serious or, in some cases, get your careless driving ticket dismissed entirely. We’ll be by your side, building a strong defence to protect your driving record.
- Explore plea bargain options: Plea bargaining is another strategy. By negotiating with the prosecutor, we might be able to have your careless driving charge reduced to a lesser offence with fewer points, like “following too closely”. This can soften the long-term impact on your driving record and your insurance rates.
The sooner you get legal advice, the better. Early intervention allows us to explore all possible defences and strategies, giving you the best chance of a favourable outcome.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – take control of your situation today. Call X-COPS for a free initial consultation, and let us help you navigate your careless driving charge with confidence. Whether it’s fighting the charge in court, negotiating a plea deal, or exploring other options, we’re here to make sure you get the best possible outcome.
Reach out now, and let’s start building your defence. Your driving future is worth it.