In Ontario, demerit points are a penalty on your licence and are used to score your driving record. We’ve compiled important facts about demerit points and explained how they can impact insurance rates.
Ontario.ca explains that you don’t “lose” demerit points on your driving record – you start with zero points and gain them when you’re convicted of breaking Ontario traffic laws.
Click here to find a complete list of demerit points and how they are applied in Ontario.
Four Facts About Demerit Points and Insurance Rates in Ontario
#1 They Encourage Safe Driving Habits
Demerit points are a penalty on your licence due to a driving conviction. They are a way of holding Ontario drivers responsible for their driving actions to encourage safer driving habits and more awareness on the roads.
#2 They Aren’t Permanent
Demerit points have the impact of deciding whether your licence will be revoked or not, but they are only kept on your driving record for a duration of two years.
#3 They Don’t Directly Affect Your Insurance Rates
Insurance companies do not look at the number of demerit points you have when deciding your premium. However, this doesn’t indicate that careless driving is acceptable.
Insurance companies will take into consideration the number of tickets you have received as well as the severity of each ticket. The more tickets you have, the more likely your insurance rates will increase. Too many tickets could even result in a non-renewal from your insurance company as it demonstrates you are a high-risk driver.
#4 Loss of Licence Can Be a Result
If you exceed 15 demerit points, your Ontario licence will be suspended for 30 days. If you do not surrender your licence, you can lose your licence for up to two years.
Demerit points negatively affect your driving record. Ensure you are familiar with the laws in Ontario and practice safe driving habits to keep your record clean and to prevent insurance rates from increasing.
Click here for an INSTANT Auto Quote »
SIMILAR POSTS
Rules About the Right-of-Way in Ontario: Are You Doing It Wrong? »
Defensive Driving and Why You Should Practice it »