Every phone call coming into our firm for Stunt Driving charges involves a discussion about demerit points. Demerit points matter, but not at all the way that most people think. In fact, they are the least concerning part about a Stunt Driving charge in Ontario. Let’s investigate:
What is the definition of Demerit Points?
Demerit points are added to your driver’s licence, if you are convicted of breaking certain driving laws. The rules are different depending on if you are a new driver or have a full licence.
You don’t “lose” demerit points on your driving record. You start with zero points and gain points for being convicted of breaking certain traffic laws.
Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date. If you collect enough points, you can lose your driver’s licence.
Think of Demerit points as a “report card” for the Ministry of Transportation. Low demerits points are like getting an A grade, and if you collect more points, your grade is lowered. Once your grade gets lowered. Here are the penalties for accumulating Demerit Points in Ontario:
As a driver with a full licence, if you have:
6 to 8 points:
You will be sent a warning letter.
9 to 14 points:
You will be sent a second warning letter encouraging you to improve your driving behaviour.
15+ points:
Your licence will be suspended for 30 days.
Crazy fact – Demerit points are NOT related to insurance
Demerit points are not a measurement for insurance companies. Insurance companies look at your actual conviction and assign penalties. They do not use demerit points to determine this. Insurance companies and the Ministry of Transportation are not the same.
This means that a Stunt Driving charge with 6 demerits is looked at very differently by Insurance companies and by the Ministry. The Ministry looks at the 6 demerits points, and checks if you should get a warning letter or more. The Insurance company looks at the actual Stunt Charge, not the demerits.
The best way to think about this is to imagine that the Ministry and Insurance companies each speak a different language. The Ministry speaks the language of demerits and Insurance Companies speak the language of traffic convictions.
The demerits should be the LAST thing you are worried about with a Stunt charge
If you are convicted of Stunt Driving, you cannot drive for 1-3 years. If this happens, who cares about Demerits. You can’t even get insured or sit behind the wheel of a car for 1-3 years. It’s time to focus on the suspension and fines of Stunt. Demerits are minor in comparison.
If you want to find out more, check below for details on a free call for a strategy and explanation of your Stunt Driving charges in Ontario.
What are Demerit Points in Ontario and how do they work?
Demerit points are added to your driver's license if you are convicted of breaking certain driving laws. Demerit points serve as a 'report card' for the Ministry of Transportation, and depending on the number of points you have, can result in a warning letter or suspension of your license. Demerit points stay on your record for two years and do not directly impact insurance penalties.
What is the relationship between Demerit Points and Stunt Driving charges?
Demerit points should be the least concerning aspect of a Stunt Driving charge in Ontario. Stunt Driving charges result in a 1-3 year suspension and fines, which are more significant than the demerit points. Insurance companies do not use demerit points in determining penalties and instead focus on the actual Stunt Driving conviction. The demerits should not be the primary focus for someone facing a Stunt Driving charge.