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Ontario Driving Convictions

Feb 26, 2024

Your guide to traffic convictions: common offences and their consequences in Ontario

Driving convictions in Ontario carry substantial implications for drivers, impacting various facets ranging from insurance premiums to driving privileges. Every driver on the road must grasp the intricacies surrounding convictions.

Beyond merely settling a fine, a driving offence conviction in Ontario transcends immediate repercussions. It influences both short-term and enduring aspects of a driver's life. These ramifications span across legal implications, financial burdens, and escalated Ontario car insurance, emphasizing the consequences associated with driving convictions that reverberate far beyond the confines of the courtroom.

In this blog, you’ll learn what defines a driving conviction, the three categories of convictions, and the role of traffic tickets.

Three main takeaways about driving convictions

  • A driving conviction occurs when a driver is found guilty of violating traffic laws or regulations while operating a motor vehicle, and it can result in various penalties and consequences imposed by the legal system.
  • If you have too many convictions on your record, you face issues getting standard coverage and may need to pay more for non-standard insurance for your automobile.
  • Convictions are broken down into three categories - minor, major, and serious.

What’s on this page

What are driving convictions?
The 3 types of traffic convictions in Ontario
What is the difference between a conviction and a ticket?
When does a ticket become a conviction?
How much do convictions increase insurance?
How long do convictions stay on your record?
What is minor conviction protection coverage?
Driving convictions FAQs

What are driving convictions?

Driving convictions refer to legal judgments or findings of guilt against individuals who have violated traffic laws or regulations while driving a motor vehicle. These violations, also known as driving offences or infractions, can include a variety of behaviours, such as speeding, running red lights, impaired driving, reckless driving, and failure to yield, among others.

When a driver is convicted of a driving offence, they will usually face penalties imposed by the legal system. These penalties may include fines, demerit points added to the driver's record, suspension or revocation, mandatory participation in driver improvement programs, and, in severe cases, imprisonment.

Example of a driving conviction

An example of a driving conviction would be a driver getting stopped for speeding on an Ontario highway. If the driver is found to be exceeding the posted speed limit and is given a speeding ticket by law enforcement, they have committed a driving offence. Upon receiving the ticket, the driver can either pay the fine or dispute the ticket in court. Here is what the process may look like:

If the driver decides to pay the fine, they admit guilt and accept the consequences of the offence. This typically involves paying the specified fine and receiving demerit points on their record.

If the driver chooses to dispute the ticket in court, they can present their case and challenge the evidence against them. The court will then make a judgment based on the evidence presented.

If the driver is found guilty of the offence in court, they will be convicted of the driving offence. This conviction will result in penalties such as fines, demerits, and potentially other consequences like licence suspension or mandatory participation in driver training programs, depending on the severity of the offence and the driver's history.

It is crucial for drivers to understand the driving laws in their jurisdiction and to adhere to them to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Additionally, knowing the potential consequences of driving convictions can help drivers make informed decisions and take steps to avoid violating traffic laws.

The 3 types of traffic convictions in Ontario

Here’s a breakdown of some examples of the types of convictions:

Serious or criminal conviction