What are the Penalties for Careless Driving?
Driving without due care and attention is a serious offense under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. The penalties include:
- A fine ranging from $400 to $2000
- Six demerit points
- A serious conviction on your driving record
- In more serious cases, where a summons is issued, penalties may also include:
- License suspension
- A jail term
Don’t let one mistake ruin your driving privileges! Contact us today to see how we can help you fight your careless driving ticket.
Impact of Careless Driving on Insurance and Driving Record
A careless driving conviction in Ontario can have a severe impact on your insurance premiums and driving record. Insurance companies view such convictions as indicators of high-risk behavior, often leading to significant increases in your premiums. Additionally, the conviction will stay on your driving record for at least three years, potentially affecting your ability to obtain affordable insurance and impacting your overall driving privileges. Protecting your record is crucial for maintaining reasonable insurance rates and ensuring that your driving privileges remain intact.
Understanding Negligence in Careless Driving Cases
The concept of negligence is central to understanding careless driving. Negligence, in legal terms, refers to the failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. In the context of careless driving, it means that the driver did not exercise the level of care and attention that a reasonably prudent driver would under similar circumstances. This could include actions such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to adhere to traffic signals. Establishing negligence involves showing that the driver’s conduct fell below the expected standard, thereby endangering others on the road. This principle is crucial in both defending and prosecuting careless driving charges, as it requires demonstrating whether the driver’s behavior was indeed negligent.
Careless Driving in Ontario - Law
130. Every person is guilty of the offence of driving carelessly who drives a vehicle or streetcar on a highway without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway and on conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both, and in addition, his or her licence or permit may be suspended for a period of not more than two years.
What is Careless Driving Causing Bodily Harm or Death?
Charge of careless driving causing death is the most serious type of this violation. If convicted, this allegation carries a penalty of not less than $2,000 and not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both, and in addition, his or her driver’s licence or permit may be suspended for a period of not more than five years.
If you are facing charges of careless driving causing death, it is critical to understand the severe consequences and the importance of a strong legal defense. This charge is among the most serious under the Highway Traffic Act and can result in substantial fines, extended license suspension, and imprisonment. The emotional and financial impact can be overwhelming, and a conviction can have long-lasting effects on your life. Our team is dedicated to providing the most effective defense strategies to protect your rights and minimize the repercussions. We thoroughly examine the evidence, challenge the prosecution's case, and work towards the best possible outcome for you.
How to Fight Ontario Careless Driving Charges?
Fighting Ontario careless driving charges under the Highway Traffic Act can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to defend your rights. An experienced traffic ticket representative is essential to navigate this process effectively. Careless driving is classified as a strict liability offence, which means you may present a defense of due diligence to demonstrate that you acted responsibly at the time of the incident.
Novice drivers with G2 license face even harsher penalties. Novice or hybrid drivers (drivers that hold a novice licence and full licence, e.g., G/M2) are subject to Novice Driver Escalating Sanctions. If a novice driver is convicted of a single offence that carries 4 or more demerit points, their driving license is automatically suspended for 30 days by the Ministry of Transportation. Do not take an Ontario careless driving ticket lightly; contact us for a free evaluation of your charge.
The prosecution has to present evidence of driving without due care, attention, or reasonable consideration for others. Often, it is found that evidence is lacking significantly, resulting in Traffic Law Paralegal Services beating your case.
If you got charged with a careless driving ticket in Ontario, contact us for a FREE EVALUATION and let Traffic Law Paralegal Services fight for you. Call us today! (905)206-9080
How many demerit points for careless driving ticket?
A careless driving ticket in Ontario carries 6 demerit points. In addition to the demerit points, you may face a fine ranging from $400 to $2,000, a possible license suspension, and even jail time for more severe cases.
How to fight and win a careless driving ticket?
To fight and win a careless driving ticket, you need to challenge the evidence and present a strong defense. Some key strategies include:
- Showing there was no negligence in your driving
- Proving the incident was an accident or outside your control
- Questioning witness credibility or the officer’s observations
- Hiring legal representation to navigate the court process
Each case is unique, so it’s important to carefully review the evidence against you and explore legal defenses to increase your chances of winning.
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What we do
Traffic Law Paralegal Services is based in Mississauga and has been defending traffic violations and summary criminal offences in Ontario for over two decades. We fight traffic tickets in Mississauga, Toronto and other minicipalities 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.
About Traffic Law Paralegal Services
Serhiy Senatorov is an owner of Traffic Law Paralegal Services and is a former vice-president of the Licensed Paralegals Association (Ontario), former vice-president and founding board member of the Ontario Paralegals Association, and a regular speaker on continuing professional development for paralegals, lawyers, and Justices. Serhiy Senatorov has been providing reliable defense for over 20 years and is confident to help you.