How Many Demerit Points Before Licence Suspension in Ontario?
For fully licensed G drivers in Ontario, a warning letter is sent at 9 points and your licence is suspended at 15 points. For novice drivers (G1 or G2), a warning comes at 6 points and suspension at 9 points. Demerit points stay on your driving record for 2 years from the date of the offence.
Key Facts
- G1 and G2 drivers: warning letter at 6 points, suspension at 9 points
- G (fully licensed) drivers: warning letter at 9 points, suspension at 15 points
- Commercial vehicle drivers: stricter rules apply under separate regulations
- Speeding 16 to 29 km/h over the limit: 3 points
- Speeding 30 to 49 km/h over the limit: 4 points
In this article
What Are the Thresholds by Licence Class?
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Ontario uses different thresholds depending on your licence class. Novice drivers (G1 and G2) face consequences sooner than fully licensed G drivers because they are still in the graduated system and held to a higher standard of compliance.
- G1 and G2 drivers: warning letter at 6 points, suspension at 9 points
- G (fully licensed) drivers: warning letter at 9 points, suspension at 15 points
- Commercial vehicle drivers: stricter rules apply under separate regulations
What Happens at Each Point Level?
At the warning threshold, the MTO sends a warning letter advising you that your licence is at risk. At the suspension threshold, you receive a notice requiring you to surrender your licence. For novice drivers, reaching 9 points triggers a 60-day suspension. For G drivers, reaching 15 points triggers a 30-day suspension, and accumulating more points can trigger a licence review.
How Long Do Demerit Points Stay on Your Record?
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, demerit points remain on your Ontario driving record for 2 years from the date of the offence, not the date of the conviction. If you pay a fine or are convicted later, the 2-year clock still starts from when the incident occurred. Points drop off automatically after 2 years. However, your full driving record including all violations is kept longer and remains visible to insurers.
Which Offences Carry the Most Demerit Points?
Understanding which violations carry the most points helps you prioritize safe driving habits.
- Speeding 16 to 29 km/h over the limit: 3 points
- Speeding 30 to 49 km/h over the limit: 4 points
- Speeding 50+ km/h over the limit: 6 points (also stunt driving)
- Distracted driving (hand-held device): 3 points
- Failing to stop for a school bus: 6 points
- Careless driving: 6 points
- Running a red light: 3 points
- Failing to yield to a pedestrian: 3 points
Related Questions
How Do Demerit Points Work in Ontario?
Ontario demerit points are added to your licence when you are convicted of certain driving offences. G1 and G2 drivers face stricter consequences: 9 demerit points triggers a licence suspension for novice drivers, compared to 15 for fully licensed drivers. Points are removed 2 years after the offence date.
Read answerWhat Is Distracted Driving in Ontario?
Distracted driving in Ontario includes using a hand-held mobile device, texting, eating, grooming, reading, or programming a hand-held GPS while driving. Ontario has some of the strictest distracted driving laws in Canada. First-time offenders face a fine of up to $1,000, 3 demerit points, and a 3-day licence suspension.
Read answerWhat Is Ontario's Zero Tolerance Law for New Drivers?
Ontario's zero tolerance law requires G1 and G2 drivers to have a blood alcohol level of exactly 0.00 when driving. Any detectable alcohol results in an immediate 24-hour roadside licence suspension and additional penalties. This is stricter than the 0.08 limit that applies to fully licensed drivers.
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