Ontario uses a demerit point system tied to your driving record, not your license card itself

Your Ontario driver's license doesn't display points on it. Instead, the province tracks demerit points on your driving record through ServiceOntario. Every traffic conviction — speeding, running a red light, careless driving — adds points to your record. The more serious the offense, the more points you receive. These points stay on your record for two years from the conviction date, and they affect your insurance rates, your license status, and whether you can keep your license at all.

The demerit point system is separate from your license card. Your card shows your name, photo, and license class. Your record — held by ServiceOntario — shows your points. When you accumulate too many points within a two-year window, the Ministry of Transportation can suspend your license without warning.

Key Takeaways

  • Ontario tracks demerit points on your driving record for two years from each conviction date, not on your physical license card.
  • Accumulating 15 or more points within two years triggers an automatic license suspension, usually for 30 days on a first suspension.
  • Different offenses carry different point values — speeding 16–30 km/h over the limit is 4 points, while racing or stunt driving is 6 points.
  • You can check your current demerit point balance through ServiceOntario's online portal or by visiting a ServiceOntario office in person.
  • Insurance companies see your demerit points and use them to set your premiums, so points raise your rates even before your license is suspended.

How many points trigger a license suspension in Ontario

If you accumulate 15 or more demerit points within a two-year period, the Ministry of Transportation will automatically suspend your license. You do not have to do anything to trigger the suspension — it happens on its own once the threshold is crossed. The first suspension is usually for 30 days. If you accumulate 15 or more points again within two years of the end of your first suspension, a second suspension follows, typically for 90 days. A third suspension within two years is usually for six months.

The two-year window is crucial. If you receive 10 points today and 6 points 23 months later, you hit 16 points and your license is suspended. But if those same 6 points come 25 months after the first conviction, they do not count toward the same total — the first conviction has aged out of the two-year window.

Common traffic offenses and their point values

Different violations carry different point values. Minor infractions like speeding 15 km/h or less over the limit cost 2 points. Speeding 16–30 km/h over costs 4 points. Speeding 31–50 km/h over costs 6 points. Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign is 3 points each. Careless driving is 6 points. Racing or stunt driving is 6 points. Driving with a suspended license is 6 points.

Not every traffic ticket results in demerit points. Parking violations, equipment failures (like a broken taillight), and some administrative offenses do not add points to your record. Only moving violations — things you did while driving — carry demerit points. If you receive a ticket and are unsure whether it carries points, you can ask the officer or contact ServiceOntario.

How to check your demerit point balance

You can view your current demerit points through ServiceOntario's online driver record service. Visit the ServiceOntario website, log in with your Ontario driver's license number and date of birth, and your record will display your current points and any convictions within the past two years. The online system updates regularly but may not reflect a conviction when ready after court — allow a few weeks for the record to update after a conviction date.

You can also request a paper copy of your driving record by visiting a ServiceOntario office in person or by mail. A paper record costs a small fee and is useful if you need an official document for insurance purposes or to show a lawyer. If you dispute a conviction or believe points were added in error, you can request a correction through ServiceOntario, though you may need to provide court documents proving the error.

How demerit points affect your insurance rates

Insurance companies in Ontario can see your demerit points and use them to calculate your premiums. Even if your license is not yet suspended, points on your record signal to insurers that you are a higher-risk driver. A driver with 10 demerit points will pay more than a driver with zero points, sometimes significantly more. The exact increase depends on your insurer, your age, your driving history, and the type of offense — a speeding conviction costs less in premium increases than a careless driving conviction.

If your license is suspended due to demerit points, you will need an SR22 certificate (called a Form UBI in Ontario) to reinstate your coverage when you are may be able to access to drive again. This certificate proves to the Ministry that you have insurance. Your insurer will file it on your behalf, but you will pay a fee for it, usually between $15 and $25. Your insurance rates will also increase after a suspension.

How points age off your record

Demerit points remain on your driving record for exactly two years from the date of conviction, not from the date you paid the ticket or the date you received it. On the two-year anniversary, the points automatically drop off your record. You do not need to do anything — ServiceOntario removes them automatically.

This two-year window is why timing matters. If you have 10 points and stay conviction-free for two years, those 10 points disappear and you start fresh. But if you receive even one more point before the two-year mark, you could trigger a suspension. Once points age off, they no longer count toward your total and no longer affect your insurance rates, though your insurer may still see the historical conviction on your record for underwriting purposes.

What happens after a license suspension for demerit points

When your license is suspended due to demerit points, you cannot drive legally. Driving while suspended is itself a criminal offense in Ontario and carries 6 demerit points, a fine of up to $1,000, and possible jail time. After your suspension period ends (30 days, 90 days, or six months), your license is automatically reinstated — you do not have to reapply or pass a test.

However, you must have valid insurance in place before you drive again. If your policy lapsed during the suspension, you will need to contact your insurer to reinstate coverage. If you were dropped by your insurer due to the suspension, you will need to find a new insurer, which may charge higher premiums. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and can provide coverage after a suspension, though at a higher cost than standard rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove demerit points from my record before two years?

No. Points automatically age off after exactly two years from the conviction date. You cannot pay a fee to remove them early or take a defensive driving course to erase them. However, if you believe a conviction was recorded in error, you can contact ServiceOntario with proof (such as a court document showing the charge was withdrawn or dismissed) and request a correction.

Do demerit points from other provinces count in Ontario?

No. Only convictions in Ontario add demerit points to your Ontario record. If you were convicted of a traffic offense in another province or country, it does not appear on your Ontario driving record and does not add points. However, your insurance company may still see it and use it to set your rates, depending on their underwriting practices.

What if I get a ticket but don't pay it or go to court?

If you ignore a ticket, the charge does not disappear. The court can issue a warrant for your arrest, and you can face additional penalties. If you are eventually convicted — whether by pleading guilty or by being found guilty in court — the demerit points are added to your record. It is better to deal with a ticket promptly, either by paying it, contesting it in court, or seeking legal information.

Will a demerit point suspension show up on a background check?

A demerit point suspension is a provincial driving record matter and does not appear on a criminal background check. However, if you drove while your license was suspended, that is a criminal offense and will appear on a criminal record. Some employers or licensing bodies may also request your driving record separately, which would show the suspension.

Can I get my license back early if I complete a driving course?

No. A demerit point suspension lasts for the full period set by the Ministry — 30 days, 90 days, or six months — and cannot be shortened by taking a course or paying a fee. Once the suspension period ends, your license is automatically reinstated. Defensive driving courses may help reduce insurance premiums in some cases, but they do not affect the suspension period itself.