Speeding Ticket Questions — Answered
How much will my insurance go up after a speeding ticket?
Typically 20-50%, depending on severity and your driving history. That’s $1,500-$3,000+ over 3 years — far more than the ticket fine. Insurance companies see the conviction at your next renewal, and the surcharge stays for 3-6 years.
How many demerit points will I get for speeding in Ontario?
It depends on how fast you were going over the limit. Under 16 km/h over: 0 points (but still a conviction). 16-29 km/h over: 3 points. 30-49 km/h over: 4 points. 50+ km/h over: 6 points plus a stunt driving charge. Remember — demerit points stay on your licence for 2 years, but the conviction affects insurance for 3.
Is it worth fighting a small speeding ticket?
Almost always. A $150 ticket costs $2,000+ in insurance increases over 3 years. Fighting costs $300-800. Even if there’s only a 50% chance of getting it withdrawn, the expected savings still favor fighting. The math works at every speed bracket.
Can I fight a ticket if I was actually speeding?
Yes. The prosecution must prove their case with properly calibrated equipment, complete documentation, a certified operator, and correct procedures. Many cases are won on technical and evidentiary issues — not because the driver wasn’t speeding. You won’t know what’s in your disclosure until you request it.
What happens to G2 drivers who get a speeding ticket?
G2 drivers face licence suspension at just 4 demerit points — compared to 15 for fully licensed drivers. A single ticket at 30+ km/h over can trigger a suspension. G2 insurance is already $4,500-$7,000/year, and a conviction pushes it even higher. For G2 drivers, fighting isn’t optional — it’s essential.
I drive for Uber / Lyft / delivery — how does a speeding ticket affect me?
Your driving record is your income. A speeding conviction increases your personal insurance AND can trigger platform deactivation. Gig and rideshare drivers can lose their OPCF 6A endorsement after a single major conviction. Fleet insurers conduct annual abstract audits — one conviction can end your commercial coverage.
What happens if I miss the 15-day deadline on my ticket?
You may be automatically convicted. If you’ve already missed it, call us immediately — there may still be options to reopen your case. But the safest move is to always request a trial within the 15-day window. You can negotiate later, but you can’t undo a missed deadline.
Why do speeding tickets get dropped or withdrawn?
The prosecution must prove their case beyond reasonable doubt. That requires properly calibrated speed detection equipment, complete calibration documentation, a certified operator, correct procedures, and accurate vehicle identification. When any element is missing, cases get withdrawn. Disclosure issues, calibration gaps, and procedural errors are more common than most drivers realize.
Will a speeding ticket affect my criminal record or PR?
No. Speeding is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act, not a criminal offence. It won’t appear on a criminal record check. But it will appear on your driving abstract and affect your insurance rates for years.
I’m new to Canada — how does a speeding ticket affect me?
A speeding ticket won’t affect your immigration status — it’s not a criminal offence. But you’re building your permanent Ontario driving record right now. The convictions you accept today follow you for years, affecting insurance rates and your ability to get a clean abstract when you need one.
