Speeding Tickets

Ottawa Speeding Tickets

Speeding remains a prevalent issue within Ottawa, warranting attention from both residents and authorities. As per section 128 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, drivers must adhere to established speed limits and avoid surpassing them.

In Ottawa, if no speed limit signs are posted, the general limits are as follows:

• 50 km/h in municipal areas encompassing cities, towns, and villages.
• 80 km/h in other areas lacking specific speed limit signs.

Although initially perceived as a minor offence, the consequences of the Ottawa speeding ticket can be far from trivial. Offenders may face fines of up to $1,000, accumulate up to 6 demerit points, and witness inflated insurance rates.

Reminder: Following the recent changes to stunt driving laws as of July 1, 2021, the distinction between speeding in Ontario and potential additional charges must be duly considered.

Stay informed and drive responsibly to ensure the safety of yourself and others on Ottawa’s roads.

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket Ottawa, Ontario

In Ottawa, the consequences for speeding are determined by how much a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. Below are the standard penalties:

• Demerit points:
  • No demerit points for speeding up to 15 km/h over the limit.
  • Speeding 16-29 km/h over the limit incurs 3 demerit points.
  • Speeding 30-49 km/h over the limit results in 4 demerit points.
  • Speeding 50 km/h or more over the limit brings 6 demerit points and is classified as stunt driving, which entails stricter penalties.
• Fines (+ court fee & victim fine surcharge to be added):
  • Fines begin at $2.50 per km/h for 1-19 km/h over the limit.
  • $3.75 per km/h for speeding 20-29 km/h over the limit.
  • $6.00 per km/h for speeding 30-49 km/h over the limit.
  • For speeds exceeding 50 km/h over the limit, fines start at $9.75 per km/h, with no option for an out-of-court settlement.
• Licence suspension:
  • No licence suspension for exceeding the speed limit by 1-29 km/h.
  • For novice drivers (G1 & G2), exceeding the speed limit by 30-50 km/h or more can result in a 30-day licence suspension.
• A conviction for speeding will stay on your driving record forever, but it will be visible to your insurance for three years.
• Increased insurance rates:
  • Potential increase in car insurance premiums for 0 to 3 demerit points, lasting up to 3 years.
  • Insurance premiums may double for accumulating 3 or more points, with the increase potentially extending beyond 3 years, depending on your insurance provider. Such speeding is deemed a major violation and an absolute liability offence.

Things to Know About Speed Tickets Ottawa:

• there are no 1 or 2-point speeding offences – only 0, 3, 4 and 6;
• any speeds in a Community Safety Zone will be dealt with in the same manner; however, the fines will double;
• with speeds 50 km/h and 35 km/h over posted speed limit in a Community Safety Zone the officer will issue a Part III summons to appear in court.
• speeding 0 – 49 km/hr over the speed limit will be issued on Part I – Offence Notice, with an ‘out of court set fine’.

When fighting Ottawa speeding tickets it is imperative that you are familiar with the speed-measuring device used by a police officer at the time. In order to prove the alleged traffic ticket fine, the officer has to complete specific obligations before evidence is accepted as accurate. The equipment used may change depending on different police agencies.

Ottawa Speeding Ticket Fines 2024 & Demerit Points

We’ve summarised for you the information about speeding fines and demerit points depending on how fast you were driving over the speed limit in Ottawa. Here is up-to-date information (as of 1 January, 2024) from the Highway Traffic Act, Schedule 43:

Important: accumulating demerit points can lead to additional penalties, such as licence suspensions or increased insurance premiums.

Ottawa Speed Ticket Fines 2024 & Demerit Points – Community Safety Zone

In Ontario, speeding fines are increased when speeding occurs in a designated Community Safety Zone. Demerit points are the same as regular speeding. Here are the breakdown of the fines:

The fines for speeding in a Community Safety Zone are higher than regular ones because they are designated to emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe speed in areas where pedestrian safety is a top priority. Community Safety Zones are typically designated in areas near schools, parks, and other locations with high pedestrian activity.

How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Ottawa

You have two options:

1. Seek legal representation: Enlist the support of an experienced speeding lawyer or licensed paralegal specializing in Ottawa traffic cases. They will handle the legal proceedings and fight the ticket on your behalf, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.
2. Self-representation at trial: If you choose to fight the speeding ticket in Ottawa court alone, you can proceed to trial and present your case independently. However, keep in mind that this option requires thorough preparation and familiarity with the legal process.

Remember, selecting the right approach is crucial to effectively fight a speeding ticket in Ottawa. Consider your comfort level, knowledge of the law, and the complexity of your case when deciding on the best course of action.

Opting to pay Ottawa speeding ticket (it means plead guilty) and ignoring the ticket might seem convenient, but it’s not recommended. Here’s why:

• Accrual of demerit points: Pleading guilty will result in demerit points added to your driving record, potentially leading to licence suspension or higher insurance premiums.
• Long-term record: The speeding ticket will remain on your driving record for three years, which can impact your insurance rates and future driving-related matters.
• Full ticket cost: By pleading guilty, you’ll be required to pay the full cost of the speed ticket without any possibility of reduction or dismissal.
• Insurance premium increase: Your insurance company is likely to raise your premiums due to the ticket, resulting in additional financial burden.

To maximize your chances of a positive outcome, the recommended initial step is to seek a professional assistance from an Ottawa speeding ticket lawyer or paralegal. Their guidance significantly enhances your chances of achieving a favorable result compared to representing yourself in court.

Fighting Speeding Ticket in Ottawa: The DIY Approach

If you decide to fight Ottawa speeding ticket on your own, follow these steps:

1. File a traffic ticket: Begin by submitting the necessary paperwork with the appropriate Ottawa court.
2. Early resolution option: Opt for an early resolution meeting with a prosecutor. This allows you to discuss the possibility of reducing your speeding ticket to a lower speed, resulting in fewer or no demerit points.
3. Trial scheduling: If a resolution cannot be reached, schedule a trial date at the designated provincial offences court in Ottawa.
4. Disclosure request and trial preparation: Make a disclosure request to obtain all relevant evidence. Prepare for the trial by reviewing the evidence and formulating questions to challenge the police officer’s account.
5. Trial appearance: Attend the trial fully prepared to address every detail of the day you were caught speeding, including cross-examining the police officer.

*Keep in mind that fighting a speeding ticket in Ottawa typically requires multiple court appearances, potentially necessitating time off from work.

Remember, courts have heard a variety of explanations, so it’s important to build a compelling argument supported by relevant facts.

Hiring a lawyer to fight a speeding ticket, might be an investment that will be repaid hundredfold in the future (both time and money). 

X-COPS employ only the best speeding ticket lawyers, paralegals, former police officers and prosecutors that are now helping people fight speeding tickets anywhere in Ontario. Even if it’s your first case, don’t worry – we’ll help you with it!