As someone who has defended thousands of stunt driving cases, I’m often asked about demerit points. Let me address the biggest misconception upfront: demerit points are the absolute least of your concerns with a stunt driving charge.
Why? Because if you’re convicted of stunt driving, you’ll lose your license for a minimum of one year. During that suspension, demerit points become completely irrelevant. By the time you get your license back, you’re already halfway to the points expiring.
The Demerit Point System: What It Actually Is
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, demerit points are simply an administrative tracking system:
- Stunt driving conviction = 6 demerit points
- Points remain on record for 2 years from the offence date
- Courts have zero jurisdiction over demerit points
- ServiceOntario automatically assigns points after conviction
*Source: Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Driver’s Handbook
The Timeline That Makes Points Irrelevant
| Event | Timeline | Demerit Point Status |
|---|---|---|
| Charged with Stunt Driving | Day 0 | No points yet |
| Convicted | 6-12 months later | 6 points assigned |
| License Suspended | Upon conviction | Points active but useless |
| Suspension Ends | 1 year minimum | Points halfway to expiry |
| Points Expire | 2 years from offence date | Clean record |
Demerit Points vs. Insurance: The Myth
The Insurance Bureau of Canada is clear on this matter:
“Insurance companies do not use the demerit point system to calculate premiums. They assess risk based on convictions, claims history, and other actuarial factors. The number of demerit points assigned to a conviction is irrelevant to insurance rating.
*Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada, How Auto Insurance Premiums Are Calculated
What Insurance Companies Actually Look At
According to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), insurers consider:
- The conviction itself (not the points)
- Type of offence (minor, major, serious)
- Number of convictions
- At-fault accidents
- Years of driving experience
Demerit points are notably absent from this list.
*Source: FSRA, Automobile Insurance Rating and Underwriting Guidelines
ServiceOntario’s Demerit Point Thresholds
The Ministry of Transportation’s official thresholds show why points don’t matter during suspension:
| License Class | Warning Letter | Interview | Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full License (G) | 9 points | 15 points | 15+ points |
| Novice (G1/G2) | N/A | 6 points | 9+ points |
*Source: Ontario Regulation 340/94 under the Highway Traffic Act
But here’s the reality: if you’re convicted of stunt driving, you’re already suspended for a year minimum. These thresholds become meaningless.
Using Nextlaw’s Resources
Our Stunt Driving Penalty Test focuses on what really matters—avoiding conviction and the mandatory suspension. Demerit points are addressed, but in proper perspective.
For immediate assistance with your defense strategy, our Stunt Driving 24/7 Helpline prioritizes the consequences that actually impact your life.
Real Client Success Story
Dan, Jon did amazing job with my stunt driving charge. They got all my charges removed. I’m really happy with the result. Guys are really professional and deal with issues promptly. Very responsive and always there to help. I called them for help and they just not only helped me with my driving charge but also gave me a bunch of advice for free. I would definitely recommend them for any driving offence you face. It’s worth paying them for the quality of work they provide. – Saksham T.
The Court’s Role (Or Lack Thereof) in Demerit Points
The Highway Traffic Act makes it clear:
- Courts determine guilt or innocence
- Courts impose fines and suspensions
- Courts have NO authority over demerit points
- ServiceOntario automatically assigns points post-conviction
Judges cannot reduce, waive, or modify demerit points. They’re a purely administrative consequence.
Why Points Don’t Matter: The Math
Let’s examine the timeline:
- Conviction: 6 demerit points assigned
- Suspension: 1-3 years (license invalid)
- Points expire: 2 years from offence date
- Reality: Points often expire before you can drive again
During your suspension, you could accumulate 100 demerit points—it wouldn’t matter because you can’t drive anyway.
The Real Consequences That Matter
While everyone worries about 6 demerit points, here’s what actually impacts your life:
| Consequence | Duration | Impact on Life |
|---|---|---|
| License Suspension | 1-3 years | Cannot drive at all |
| Criminal Record | None (quasi-criminal) | No criminal record |
| Insurance Impact | 3-6 years | Major – 300%+ increases |
| Demerit Points | 2 years | Minimal – can’t drive anyway |
Focus on What Matters
In my decades of defending stunt driving cases, I’ve never had a client whose life was impacted by the 6 demerit points. Every single one was devastated by the license suspension.
Insurance companies confirm they don’t use demerit points. Courts can’t modify them. They expire while you’re suspended. So why worry about them?
The Strategic Reality
The only way to avoid demerit points is to avoid conviction. But if you’re focused on the points, you’re missing the real battle. The mandatory suspension, insurance consequences, and life disruption are what destroy people’s lives—not 6 administrative points in a government database.
Perspective Is Everything
Yes, a stunt driving conviction means 6 demerit points. But those points are largely symbolic when you’ve lost your license for a year or more. By the time you’re driving again, the points are almost expired.
Don’t waste energy worrying about demerit points. Focus on avoiding conviction and the mandatory suspension that actually affects your life.
For a realistic assessment of consequences that truly matter, use our Stunt Driving Penalty Test. For strategic guidance on avoiding conviction entirely, contact our 24/7 Helpline.
Remember: demerit points are the least of your worries. Focus on keeping your license.
*Disclaimer: All information about demerit points is from official Ontario government sources including the Ministry of Transportation and Highway Traffic Act regulations. Legal outcomes vary by case.
