Before you pay that ticket, understand what it actually costs you. A speeding conviction, stunt driving charge, or careless driving finding can follow you for years, in demerit points, insurance increases, and your driving record.
Most people pay their ticket without realizing what they are agreeing to. Paying a traffic ticket in Ontario is an admission of guilt. Depending on the charge, that can mean demerit points, insurance premium increases, licence suspension, and a conviction on your record. You have options.
The real cost of a speeding conviction
A $300 ticket might feel manageable. But if that conviction adds three or four demerit points and triggers an insurance increase, the true cost over three years could easily be $2,000 or more, sometimes much higher for younger drivers or those already with points on their record.
Stunt driving convictions are in a different category entirely. The consequences under current Ontario law are significant enough that contesting the charge is almost always worth exploring.
A licensed paralegal who handles traffic matters regularly knows how these cases work, from requesting disclosure to identifying procedural issues that might not be obvious to someone representing themselves.
No one can guarantee a specific result. What representation does is ensure your case is properly prepared and presented, which makes a real difference more often than not.
Tell us about your ticket
Submit a free intake and describe the charge, when it happened, and what documents you have. If you have the ticket itself, that is helpful, but not essential to start.
We review your matter
A representative will contact you to discuss the charge, the potential consequences, your options, and what representation would involve.
We request disclosure
Once engaged, we request the Crown's disclosure package, the officer's notes, speed measurement records, and other evidence related to the charge.
We negotiate or go to trial
Depending on what the disclosure shows, we will either negotiate a resolution with the Crown or prepare and present your defence at trial.
Traffic tickets in Ontario are prosecuted under the Highway Traffic Act and heard at the Ontario Court of Justice. These are not criminal matters, but some charges, particularly stunt driving, carry consequences serious enough to treat them that way.
You have the right to contest any ticket. When you elect to fight a ticket, the Crown must prove the offence. Your paralegal's job is to review the evidence, challenge what can be challenged, and advocate for the best available outcome.
Timelines matter. Check the deadline on your ticket, you typically have 15 days to respond. If you are not sure what to do, reach out before that window closes.
Paying a ticket is the same as pleading guilty. Depending on the charge, this can mean demerit points on your licence, a significant increase in your insurance premiums, and a conviction on your driving record. For many tickets, especially higher-end speeding charges or stunt driving, the long-term cost of simply paying can far exceed the fine itself. It is worth understanding your options first.
Stunt driving in Ontario includes driving 40 km/h or more over the speed limit in a 60 zone, or 50 km/h over in any other zone. It is treated as a serious offence. A conviction can mean a significant fine, a licence suspension of up to two years, six demerit points, and a criminal-level driving record entry. First-time charges are worth contesting.
A licensed paralegal can request disclosure from the Crown, review the evidence, identify procedural or technical issues, and represent you in court. Many tickets are reduced or withdrawn as a result of proper representation. While no outcome can ever be guaranteed, having a representative familiar with traffic court is a meaningful advantage.
If you miss the response deadline on your ticket, a conviction may be entered automatically. It is important to act before the deadline shown on your ticket. If a deadline has already passed, contact us and we will advise on whether anything can still be done.
It can. Evidence like dashcam footage, photos, or witness statements can support your version of events. Even if you think the footage is not definitive, a paralegal can assess whether it has value for your case.
Demerit points vary by offence under the Highway Traffic Act. Speeding 16-29 km/h over the limit is 3 points. Speeding 30-49 km/h over is 4 points. Stunt driving carries 6 points. Accumulating 9 or more points as a full-licence holder can trigger a Ministry of Transportation interview and potential suspension.
Start your free intake. A licensed paralegal will review your situation and reach out to discuss your options.
Start Free Intake →Search Your IssueFree intake. No obligation. Not legal advice.
Already know you want to move forward?
Skip the intake and book a consultation directly with a licensed paralegal.
Book at haveigotacase.ca →Important notice
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is different. Submitting an intake does not create a legal relationship.
GotACase.ca, Legal Representation Made Easy. Ontario, Canada.
