Demystifying Demerit Points – What You Really Need to Know
In the majority of my Stunt Driving consultations, clients are concerned about the impact on their demerit points. Surprisingly, demerit points are almost irrelevant in the context of a Stunt Driving charge in Ontario. Let’s clarify some misconceptions.
The Truth about Demerit Points and Insurance
First and foremost, demerit points have no bearing on insurance rates. Demerit points function as a report card from the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario. For a full G driver, the primary concern is to avoid accumulating 12-15 demerit points within a 2-year period to prevent license suspension.
Insurance companies, on the other hand, assess your driving record and adjust policies based on the severity of your convictions. They do not consider your demerit points.
The Stunt Driving Charge Ladder – Understanding the Real Penalties
Picture a ladder where the top rung represents the most severe Stunt Driving penalties, and the bottom rung represents the least severe. At the top, you’ll find jail time. One rung down is the 1-3 year license suspension, followed by the $2,000 – $10,000 fine. Demerit points sit at the very bottom, as they have minimal impact on your life compared to the other consequences.
Focus on What Matters – Defending Your Stunt Driving Charge
Worrying about insurance is futile in the context of a Stunt Driving conviction. If you’re convicted, your license will be suspended for 1-3 years, rendering insurance irrelevant during that period. Focus on defending yourself against the Stunt Driving charge to avoid suspension. Once that’s done, you can shift your attention back to insurance.
Get Legal Help – This Is Serious Business
Failing to address a Stunt Driving charge properly can have severe consequences. Forget demerit points and insurance – your ability to drive could be jeopardized for a year or more. Seek legal help to ensure you can keep driving. Once you’ve successfully navigated the Stunt Driving charge, then you can start worrying about insurance rates again. Your primary goal should be to make potential insurance increases the most pressing concern, which means you’ve avoided the worst outcomes of a Stunt Driving conviction.
Do demerit points affect insurance rates in Ontario?
No, demerit points have no impact on your insurance rates. Insurance companies assess your driving record and adjust policies based on the severity of your convictions, not on the number of demerit points you have. The primary concern for drivers should be to avoid accumulating 12-15 demerit points within a 2-year period to prevent license suspension.
What are the real penalties for a Stunt Driving charge in Ontario?
The penalties for a Stunt Driving charge in Ontario are severe and can include jail time, a 1-3 year license suspension, and a $2,000 - $10,000 fine. Demerit points have minimal impact compared to these consequences and sit at the bottom rung of the penalty ladder. To avoid suspension and the worst outcomes of a Stunt Driving conviction, it is essential to focus on defending yourself against the charge and seeking legal help.
