What to Do After Getting a Traffic Ticket in Ontario

Getting a traffic ticket in Ontario—whether for speeding, running a red light, or another driving offence—can feel stressful. But you have legal rights and clear options. It’s important to understand the process and respond on time to avoid additional penalties like late fees, license suspensions, or higher insurance premiums.

Here’s what you need to know step by step after receiving a traffic ticket in Ontario.

✅ Step 1: Check What Kind of Traffic Ticket You Received

Most tickets are issued as a Provincial Offence Notice under the Highway Traffic Act. It will show:

• The alleged offence (e.g., speeding 20 km/h over the limit)

• The fine amount and victim surcharge

• The demerit points that may apply

• The deadline to respond (usually 15 days from the date of the ticket)

More serious charges, like stunt driving or careless driving, are issued as a Summons and require a mandatory court appearance.

✅ Step 2: Know the Deadline

For a regular traffic ticket (Provincial Offence Notice), you have 15 days to choose one of three options:

1. Pay the fine

2. Plead guilty with an explanation

3. Request a trial to dispute the ticket

If you do nothing, the court will convict you automatically, add late fees, and it can even result in a driver’s license suspension if fines go unpaid.

✅ Step 3: Understand Your Options

When you get a traffic ticket in Ontario, you must choose how to respond:

✅ 1. Pay the Ticket (Plead Guilty)

• Admitting guilt and paying the fine closes the case.

• However, the conviction stays on your driving record.

• Demerit points (if any) are applied, and your insurance premiums may increase.

✅ 2. Plead Guilty with an Explanation

• You agree you committed the offence but want to explain special circumstances to the Justice of the Peace.

• You can request more time to pay the fine or sometimes a reduced fine.

• This does NOT remove the conviction or demerit points.

✅ 3. Request a Trial (Plead Not Guilty)

• You can dispute the ticket and request a trial date.

• At trial, the officer must testify and present evidence. If the officer doesn’t appear, the ticket may be dismissed.

• You can present your own evidence, cross-examine the officer, and raise legal defences.

• If you’re found not guilty, the ticket is dismissed, and no fine or points apply.

  
  

✅ Step 4: Think About the Consequences

Before you decide, consider:

• Will the ticket add demerit points? Too many points can lead to license suspension.

• Will it affect my insurance? Even minor speeding tickets can cause insurance rates to go up.

• Do I have a defence? Was the ticket issued correctly? Is there evidence to challenge it?

  
  

✅ Step 5: Should You Get Legal Help?

You can handle minor tickets yourself, but it’s often worth consulting a Licensed Paralegal if:

• The ticket carries serious penalties (e.g., careless driving, stunt driving)

• You already have other convictions or high demerit points

• You want the best chance to avoid a conviction and protect your insurance rates

A paralegal experienced in Provincial Offences Court can review your case, request disclosure (officer’s notes, radar/lidar records), and represent you in court to fight the ticket or negotiate a better outcome.

✅ What Happens If You Ignore a Traffic Ticket?

Ignoring a ticket can lead to:

• Automatic conviction

• Extra late fees

• License suspension for unpaid fines

• The ticket going to collections

It’s always better to respond, even if you’re unsure what to do.

Conclusion

After getting a traffic ticket in Ontario, you have 15 days to respond. You can pay the fine, ask for an explanation, or fight the ticket in court.

If you’re unsure about the best option or want to dispute your ticket, Situ Legal Services can help you:

• Assess your ticket and explain your legal options

• Request a trial and disclosure of evidence

• Represent you in court to reduce or dismiss the ticket and protect your driving record

  
  

👉 Click here to book a consultation and let a Licensed Paralegal help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your license and insurance.