Frequently Asked Questions

Often, yes. Where the evidence does not support a withdrawal, it may be possible to resolve the matter with the prosecutor for a lesser charge, typically meaning a lower fine, fewer or no demerit points, and less impact on insurance. Whether that is available depends on the charge, the facts, and the prosecutor. No outcome can be promised in advance.

Ignoring a ticket does not make it go away. Miss the response deadline and you can be deemed not to dispute the charge and convicted in your absence. Unpaid fines can lead to a license suspension for nonpayment. It is always better to act within the time shown on the notice.

Yes. Many drivers assume they must pay, but you have the right to dispute the charge. With representation, the evidence and procedure can be tested, and where appropriate the matter resolved with the prosecutor. Results depend on the facts of each case.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, careless driving means driving without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for others on the road. Common examples include following too closely, failing to yield, or driving in a way that shows a disregard for road safety. It carries six demerit points and can rest heavily on the officer's opinion, which is exactly what a defense examines.

Disputing a ticket does not itself add anything to your record. What affects your record is a conviction. Disputing gives you the opportunity to avoid a conviction, or to reduce the charge to one carrying fewer points, before anything is entered on your abstract.

A licensed paralegal reviews your ticket and the disclosure, identifies weaknesses in the evidence or procedure, represents you in Provincial Offences Court, and where appropriate negotiates with the prosecutor to reduce the charge or the penalty. In most Part I matters you will not need to attend court yourself.

A conviction stays on your driving record for three years from the conviction date and cannot be removed afterwards. That is why the time to act is before conviction, by disputing the charge, it may be reduced or withdrawn so that it never appears. No result can be guaranteed.

Paying the fine is a guilty plea. It results in a conviction on your record, any demerit points that apply, and, very often, higher insurance premiums at renewal for up to three years. Once paid, the matter cannot be reopened.