Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) Section 144(15), drivers approaching a traffic control signal showing a circular amber (yellow) indication are legally required to stop their vehicle if they can do so safely. The exact wording from the HTA states:
"Every driver approaching a traffic control signal showing a circular amber indication and facing the indication shall stop his or her vehicle if he or she can do so safely; otherwise, he or she may proceed with caution."
This means that when you see a yellow light, you must stop if there’s enough time to do so without risking an accident. If stopping safely isn't possible, you are allowed to proceed through the intersection with caution.
An amber light fail to stop ticket is considered a strict liability offense. This means that the prosecution does not need to prove intent to convict you. It’s sufficient to show that the offense occurred—either you stopped or you didn’t.
Receiving a ticket for failing to stop at an amber light in Ontario can have significant consequences:
The penalties associated with this offense highlight the importance of understanding and complying with traffic signals. A moment of hesitation or misunderstanding can lead to costly consequences.
Yes, you can get a ticket for going through a yellow light in Ontario if the police officer believes that you could have stopped safely but chose not to. The law is clear that drivers must stop at a yellow light if it is safe to do so. If you proceed through the intersection when you could have stopped without endangering yourself or others, you may be issued a ticket. This is a common scenario where drivers misjudge the timing of the light or underestimate the distance needed to come to a safe stop.
If you've received a ticket for failing to stop at an amber light, you have the option to contest the ticket in court. Fighting a traffic ticket can be a complex process, especially with strict liability offenses like failing to stop at an amber light. Traffic Law Paralegal Services can help you navigate the legal system, gather evidence, and present a strong defense. We have extensive experience defending amber light tickets and can help improve your chances of beating the charge and protecting your driving record.
Contact Traffic Law Paralegal Services for a free traffic ticket consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.
Serhiy Senatorov is the owner of Traffic Law Paralegal Services, a former vice-president of the Licensed Paralegals Association (Ontario), and a founding board member of the Ontario Paralegals Association. He regularly speaks on continuing professional development for paralegals, lawyers, and justices, including serving as a current faculty member for The Osgoode Certificate in Provincial Offences Court Practice. Bringing a rigorous, strategic defense to every level of traffic and summary criminal matter, Serhiy Senatorov has successfully defended over 10,000 offenses across Ontario courts since 2001. From everyday traffic tickets to complex trials involving Charter applications and intense cross-examinations, he brings that same dedicated advocacy to your case.
Committed to advancing the profession, the firm routinely provides mentorship and structured field placements for paralegal students across Ontario.
Block fees, full-spectrum defence for all traffic offences, including quick resolutions, procedural motions, trials, and appeals.
Traffic Law Paralegal Services is based in Mississauga and has been defending traffic violations and summary criminal offences in Ontario since 2001. We fight traffic tickets in Mississauga, Toronto and other municipalities in Ontario.
At Traffic Law you will receive experienced and competent defense services fighting traffic and criminal charges (summary offences). Most common allegations include careless driving tickets, stunt driving, no insurance and more.