A distracted driving conviction in Ontario adds three demerit points to your record, along with the fine and a three-day licence suspension. Those points stay on your driving record for two years from the date of the offence, then come off. But the points were never the real problem — the conviction itself stays on your record long after the points expire, and it’s the conviction that insurers actually look at.
I’m Jon Cohen, Partner at NextLaw, a distracted driving ticket law firm in Ontario. Here’s how the points work, how long they last, and why they’re not the part that matters most.
How many demerit points is distracted driving in Ontario?
A distracted driving conviction puts three demerit points on your record, along with the fine and a three-day licence suspension.
Three points might not sound like much on its own — but they don’t sit in isolation. If you already have points from other tickets, these can push you closer to the thresholds where the Ministry starts sending warning letters, calling you in for an interview, or even suspending your licence for the points alone. In that sense, three points can matter far more than the number suggests.
How long do demerit points stay on your record?
Demerit points stay on your driving record for two years from the date of the offence. After that, the points themselves come off.
So if points were the only issue, you could just wait it out. The catch is that the points were never really the problem — and treating the two-year expiry as the finish line misses what actually follows you.
Why the conviction matters more than the points
Here’s what most drivers don’t realize: the conviction itself stays on your record long after those two years are up. And that conviction is what insurance companies actually look at when they set your rate.
So getting the points to expire was never really the goal. Keeping the conviction off your record in the first place is what actually protects you — your licence, your insurance, and your options if you’re ever pulled over again down the road. Every case is different, but that distinction between points and conviction is the one that matters most.
Frequently asked questions
How many demerit points is a distracted driving ticket in Ontario?
A distracted driving conviction adds three demerit points, along with the fine and a three-day licence suspension, for a fully licensed driver.
How long do distracted driving demerit points stay on your record?
Demerit points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the offence, then come off automatically.
Do the demerit points or the conviction affect insurance?
The conviction. Points expire after two years, but the conviction stays on your record longer and is what insurers look at when setting your rate.
Can three demerit points cause a licence suspension?
On their own, no — but added to points you already have, they can push you toward the thresholds where the Ministry issues warnings, interviews, or point-based suspensions.
This article is general information about Ontario law and is not legal advice. Services provided by a licensed lawyer and licensed paralegals at NextLaw. Every case is different; past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
