Introduction to demerit points
Channel: Tomorrow's Drivers Ltd.
Date: 2023-09-24

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) establishes a system of demerit points to track and penalize certain driving offenses committed by licensed drivers. Demerit points are applied to a driver's record for specific traffic violations. Accumulating too many demerit points can result in penalties, including license suspension or mandatory driver improvement programs. Here are some common traffic violations and their corresponding demerit point values under the Ontario HTA:

1. **Speeding**:
   - 0 to 15 km/h over the limit: 0 points
   - 16 to 29 km/h over the limit: 3 points
   - 30 to 49 km/h over the limit: 4 points
   - 50 km/h or more over the limit: 6 points

2. **Careless Driving**: 6 points

3. **Running a Red Light**: 3 points

4. **Failing to Stop for a School Bus**: 6 points

5. **Improper Passing**: 3 points

6. **Following Too Closely**: 4 points

7. **Failure to Yield the Right of Way**: 3 points

8. **Failure to Remain at the Scene of an Accident**: 7 points

9. **Driving While Under Suspension**: 6 points

10. **Driving Without Insurance**: 0 points (but significant fines and penalties)

It's important to note that accumulating too many demerit points can lead to consequences such as license suspension, increased insurance rates, and mandatory participation in a driver improvement program. The specific penalties and consequences can vary based on the number of demerit points a driver accumulates and their individual driving history.

Drivers are encouraged to drive responsibly and obey traffic laws to avoid the accrual of demerit points and the associated penalties. Additionally, the HTA provides the option to contest traffic violations in court if a driver believes they were wrongly charged.