Ontario Traffic Defense
Charged with speeding in Ontario? Before you pay the fine, which is a guilty plea, have the ticket reviewed. A licensed paralegal will tell you exactly what you are facing and what your options are.
A speeding ticket can seem like a minor inconvenience, but pleading guilty carries consequences that outlast the fine:
Rather than simply accepting the charge, you can have it defended. The goal is straightforward: reduce the fine, limit or avoid demerit points, or have the charge withdrawn where the evidence allows. No outcome is ever promised, every case turns on its own facts, but paying without a review forecloses all of those options.
Penalties depend on how far over the limit you were alleged to be traveling. As a general guide:
| Speed over limit | Fine (approx.) | Demerit points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 15 km/h over | $40 to $60 | 0 points |
| 16 to 29 km/h over | $70 to $150 | 3 points |
| 30 to 49 km/h over | $200 to $500 | 4 points |
| 50+ km/h over | Substantial fines | 6 points + possible suspension |
Figures above are general guidance, not a quote for your matter. Set fines, victim surcharges and court costs vary, and the amounts change over time.
Every detail of the ticket and the disclosure is reviewed to identify where the case can be challenged:
In most Part I matters you will not need to attend court, filing, disclosure, the prosecutor and the hearing are handled for you.
Yes. Many drivers assume they have to pay the fine, but you have the right to dispute the charge. With representation, it may be possible to reduce or avoid the penalties, though no result can be guaranteed, since it depends on the facts and the evidence.
It can. A conviction for speeding can affect your insurance premiums at renewal, sometimes for up to three years, and more serious convictions tend to have a larger effect. Avoiding a conviction, or reducing the charge, is one reason drivers choose to dispute rather than pay.
Ignoring a ticket does not make it go away. Do nothing and you can be deemed not to dispute the charge and convicted in your absence, with the fine added to your account and your license potentially suspended for nonpayment. It is always better to act within the time on the notice.
Don't pay it yet
The window to respond is short. A free 15 minute review costs nothing and tells you exactly where you stand.