Ontario Stop Sign Ticket
Every driver in Ontario is expected to obey a traffic sign to allow other motorists to proceed with caution at intersections to avoid accidents. Once drivers fail to stop at stop sign they’d be committed an offence under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, section 136(1).
According to the Highway Traffic Act, every driver or street car operator approaching a stop sign is required to make a full and complete stop at a certain place:
- at a marked stop line;
- or (if there is no marked stop line) before entering the nearest crosswalk;
- or (if no crosswalk) before entering the intersection.
Here full and complete stop means to stop your vehicle’s wheels from moving (please note, that a “rolling stop” is also a reason to issue a disobey stop sign ticket). The exact stoppage time is not specified.
Failing to stop at a stop sign in Ontario will result in a traffic ticket with its all consequences.
Penalties For Failure To Stop At A Stop Sign Ontario
Actually, disobey stop sign ticket is the most “widespread” in Canada and results in fines and penalties in case of conviction:
- 3 demerit points added to your driving record;
- $110 fine (unless it’s reduced by a court);
- increased insurance rates.
Yes, penalties are not so harsh as for a stunt driving charge. Nevertheless, having a disobey sign ticket on your driving record can be easily used by your insurance company to raise your insurance premiums.
Important: once you’re convicted for disobeying stop signs or any other road signs, it remains on your driving record forever. Thus it may have an impact on getting some governmental jobs, such as police, military etc.
Disobey Sign Demerit Points: What You Need to Know
How many demerit points for failing to obey a stop sign? – In Ontario, disobey stop sign ticket results in 3 demerit points.
How long do stop sign demerit points stay on your record in Ontario? – Disobey stop sign demerit points remain on your driving record for a maximum of 2 years from the offence date.
Does Stop Sign Ticket Affect Insurance in Ontario?
Yes, receiving a ticket for failing to stop at a stop sign can affect your insurance in Ontario. Insurance companies can charge you extra money for up to 3 years until it’s no longer shown on your driver’s licence abstract (for insurance).
The increase in your insurance premiums can vary widely depending on your insurer and your overall driving history. For a minor violation like a stop sign ticket, premiums could increase by anywhere from 10% to 20%, but this can vary.
If you have multiple violations, the increase can be more substantial. Insurers might consider you a high-risk driver, leading to even higher premiums.
How To Fight a Disobey Sign Ticket in Ontario
Although it might look like a simple traffic ticket for you, developing a good defence strategy with a complete charge withdrawn is difficult without a clear understanding of peculiarities. That’s why hiring a professional lawyer or paralegal who knows how to beat a stop sign ticket in court in Ontario and has a huge experience in this field will be the best option.
But if you don’t want to have legal representation here are our recommendations on how to fight a stop sign ticket in Ontario:
Step 1: File your ticket with the court
You have 15 days from the date you received the ticket to file it with the court. Follow the instructions on the back of the ticket or go to the courthouse in the area where the ticket was issued.
Step 2: Schedule a Meeting with a Prosecutor
Request an early resolution meeting with a prosecutor. This is your chance to discuss the possibility of reducing disobey stop sign charge to a lesser offence, something with fewer or no demerit points. It’s often the first step before a trial is even considered.
Step 3: Be prepared for a trial (if it comes to that)
- Sometimes, even if you choose to go to trial, the court will schedule a meeting with a prosecutor first. This gives both sides a chance to resolve the case without going to trial, which can save time and resources.
- If the case does proceed to trial, you’ll need to have a strong defence strategy.
Step 4: Build your defence strategy
- Take time to prepare your case. Review all the details of the ticket and think about what you’ll say in court.
- Prepare questions for the police officer who issued the ticket, and, if applicable, any witnesses who can support your side of the story.
- Keep in mind that if the officer doesn’t show up for the trial, your case may be dismissed altogether.
Step 5: Show up for your trial
On your trial date, come prepared and ready to present your case. Be clear, concise, and professional when explaining your defence.
Peculiarities of Fighting Disobey Stop Sign Charges in Ontario
Disobey stop sign tickets have specifics. Here is what you need to consider when fighting:
- Stop sign violations are considered absolute liability offences, and intent is not taken into account during the trial.
- There is no legislated definition (in the Highway Traffic Act) of what constitutes a complete stop and how long you have to stop at a stop sign in Ontario. We only know that a motor vehicle should come to a full and complete stop. It means that a police officer can have a different (with the driver) perception of time or viewpoint could be quite questionable. Hence, this lack of clarity opens up multiple avenues for defence.
- Hiring an experienced traffic ticket paralegal is crucial. A skilled paralegal can effectively prepare you for every possible scenario and explain how to get a stop sign ticket dismissed or reduced. Professional representation increases your chances of successfully contesting the stop sign ticket in court.
- When there is a shortage of detailed blueprints for fighting a stop sign ticket Ontario properly, relying on your friend’s previous experiences is generally not a good idea.
Our professional paralegal can thoroughly review, estimate your current situation and provide the best possible bespoke solution specifically for YOU and your stop sign violation.
We’re not interested in increasing your insurance rates or paying huge fines. We sincerely want to help you keep your driving record clean and save you time! So, don’t lose your chance – call X-COPS NOW!