Starting your journey as a driver in Ontario is a milestone filled with excitement and newfound freedom. As you prepare for your G1 test, you're learning the essential rules of the road that will keep you and others safe. A critical part of this is understanding Ontario's demerit point system—a structure designed not just to penalize bad driving, but to encourage safe habits from the moment you get behind the wheel.
Let's take a comprehensive look at how this system works and what it means for you as a new driver.
The Basics: How You Accumulate Demerit Points
First, let's clear up a common myth: you do not start with a set number of points that you "lose." Every licensed driver in Ontario starts with a clean slate of zero points. Demerit points are added to your record only after you are convicted of breaking a specific traffic law.
It’s important to understand the word "convicted." You are not convicted the moment a police officer hands you a ticket. A conviction happens only if you plead guilty and pay the fine, or if you are found guilty in court. These points then remain on your record for two years from the date the offense was committed.
A Breakdown of Demerit Point Offences
The number of points assigned to an offense is a direct reflection of its seriousness. Understanding these can help you recognize the behaviors that are considered most dangerous on the road. Here are some of the most common traffic violations and their corresponding points.
- 7 Demerit Points (The most serious offenses):
- - Failing to remain at the scene of a collision.
- - Failing to stop when signaled or requested by a police officer.
- 6 Demerit Points:
- - Careless driving.
- - Racing or stunt driving.
- - Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more.
- - Failing to stop for a school bus.
- 4 Demerit Points:
- - Exceeding the speed limit by 30 to 49 km/h.
- - Following another vehicle too closely (tailgating).
- 3 Demerit Points:
- - Exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h.
- - Disobeying a stop sign, traffic light, or railway crossing signal.
- - Improper use of a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane.
- 2 Demerit Points (Minor infractions):
- - Improper or unsafe turns.
- - Failing to signal a turn or lane change.
- - Unnecessary slow driving.
- - The driver failing to wear their seatbelt.
- - Failing to ensure a passenger under 16 is properly secured.
You can check the full list of offenses / demerit points on the MTO Drivers handbook here.
Stricter Rules for New Drivers (G1 and G2)
As a G1 or G2 driver, you are considered a novice driver and are held to a higher standard. The consequences for accumulating demerit points are much more severe to ensure you build a strong foundation of safe driving habits.
Here is the path of consequences for novice drivers:
- a) 2-5 Points: You will receive a warning letter in the mail from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
- b) 6-8 Points: You will receive a second warning letter, strongly encouraging you to improve your driving.
- c) 9 or more Points: Your licence will be suspended for 60 days. You must surrender it to the MTO. After your suspension, the number of points on your record will be reduced to four.
Beyond Demerit Points: Escalating Sanctions for Novice Drivers
It is crucial for G1 and G2 drivers to understand that there is another system of penalties that runs alongside the demerit point system. This is called "Escalating Sanctions." You can face these penalties for any of the following:
- - Violating any of the conditions of your G1 or G2 licence (e.g., driving with a blood-alcohol level above zero, driving between midnight and 5 a.m. as a G1, etc.).
- - Being convicted of any single traffic offense that carries four or more demerit points.
The penalties for these offenses are severe and they "escalate" with each occurrence:
- - First Offense: Your licence will be suspended for 30 days.
- - Second Offense: Your licence will be suspended for 90 days.
- - Third Offense: You will lose your novice licence completely. You will have to re-apply for a G1 and start the entire graduated licensing process from the very beginning.
How Demerit Points Affect Fully Licensed Drivers
For context, it's useful to see how the system changes once you have your full G licence. The thresholds are more lenient, reflecting the driver's experience.
- a) 6 Points: A warning letter is sent.
- b) 9-14 Points: A second warning letter is sent, and you may be required to attend an interview to discuss your driving record.
- c) 15 or more Points: Your licence is suspended for 30 days. After the suspension, your point total is reduced to seven.
The Real Impact: Insurance Rates and Demerit Points
Here is a critical connection to understand: insurance companies do not base your rates directly on the number of demerit points you have. They base your premiums on the convictions on your driving record.
When you are convicted of a traffic offense, it is recorded on your driving abstract, which your insurance provider can see. A conviction for "Failing to signal" (2 points) is a minor concern, but a conviction for "Careless Driving" (6 points) is a major red flag that will almost certainly lead to a significant increase in your insurance premiums for years. Serious convictions can even make it difficult to get insurance at all.
Your Licence is a Privilege: Drive Safely
The demerit point and escalating sanctions systems are there for a reason: to keep everyone safe. As you study for your G1, think of these rules not as punishments to be avoided, but as guidelines for becoming a safe, responsible, and confident driver. Mastering them now will protect you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road for your entire driving life. Good luck on your test.