What to Do If You Receive a Traffic Ticket in Toronto
If you received a Toronto traffic ticket, here are the steps you should follow:
Review the Traffic Ticket:
Carefully read the traffic ticket to understand the violation and the instructions for responding. The deadline for disputing the ticket is 15 days from the date of issuance.
Decide How to Respond to the Ticket:
- Pay the Ticket: If you choose to pay the traffic ticket in Toronto, follow the instructions on the ticket for submitting payment. Be aware that paying the ticket is an admission of guilt and may result in fines, demerit points, and suspensions.
- Request a Trial: If you believe the traffic ticket was issued in error or you have a valid defense, you can request a trial. This involves fighting the ticket in court. Follow the instructions on the ticket for requesting a trial and gather any evidence that supports your case.
- Seek Legal Assistance: Consulting with a paralegal can be most beneficial. Traffic Law Paralegal Services have extensive experience handling Toronto traffic tickets and possess specific knowledge of local practices and protocols and can provide valuable advice leading to a favorable resolution.
Attend the Toronto Court Hearing:
If you requested a trial, you will need to attend the court hearing on the scheduled date. Toronto traffic ticket trials are held either in-person or virtually bu using a video link. Be prepared to present your case, provide evidence, and make your arguments.
Ensure you understand the local court procedures and have all necessary documentation to assit defending your case:
- Original or a copy of your traffic ticket
- Notice of trial
- Disclosure materials
- Your evidence to be presented
- Copies of legal jurisprudence you intend to rely on at your trial
Follow Up with Toronto Court:
After the court decision, follow up on any required actions, such as paying fines or complying with court orders. Ensure you keep records of all communications and payments related to the ticket.
Toronto Traffic Tickets Court Locations
| Court Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Toronto POA Court - West | 2700 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M6M 1V1 |
| Toronto POA Court - South | St. Lawrence Market North, 92 Front St E, Toronto, ON |
| Toronto POA Court - East | 1530 Markham Road, Toronto, ON M1B 3C2 |
For a personalized approach and professional defense, contact Traffic Law Paralegal Services to fight Toronto traffic tickets.
Frequent Questions about Traffic Tickets in Toronto
Is it really worth fighting a minor traffic ticket in Toronto?
Absolutely. The true cost of a traffic ticket is rarely just the fine. Paying a fine is an admission of guilt (a conviction), which can remain on your driving record for 3 years. A single conviction may result in the loss of a clean driving discount, and multiple convictions can lead to a substantial 20% or more increase in your insurance premiums for that 3-year period.
Fighting the ticket with a paralegal gives you the opportunity to seek a full dismissal of the charge or a reduction to a non-moving violation, protecting your driving record and saving you thousands of dollars in long-term insurance costs.
How long will a traffic ticket conviction affect my car insurance rates in Toronto?
A conviction for a Highway Traffic Act (HTA) violation, whether minor (like a typical speeding ticket) or major (like Distracted Driving), is reported on your official driving record (driver’s abstract) for 3 years from the date of conviction (the date you paid the fine or were found guilty in court).
Insurance companies check this record at renewal time and will typically use any convictions from the previous three years to calculate your premiums. More serious offences, such as a license suspension, may be factored into your insurance rates for up to six years.
What is the difference between demerit points and a conviction on my record?
The key distinction is what impacts your insurance: Convictions affect your rates, while Demerit Points affect your license status.
- Conviction: This is a finding of guilt and stays on your driving record for 3 years. This is what insurance companies use to raise your premiums.
- Demerit Points: These are a government metric that stay on your record for 2 years from the offence date. If you accumulate too many (typically 15 for a fully licensed driver), your license can be suspended, which is a major event that will severely impact your insurance for years.
Where do I go to fight my Toronto traffic ticket in court?
Toronto Provincial Offences Act (POA) court matters are handled at one of three locations, depending on where the ticket was issued:
- Toronto West Court: 2700 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M6M 1V1
- Toronto East Court: 1530 Markham Road, Toronto, ON M1B 3C2
- Toronto South Court: St. Lawrence Market North, 92 Front St E, Toronto, ON
You must file your intention to dispute the ticket (Option 2: Request a Trial) at the court office listed on your ticket within 15 days of receiving it.
What is the penalty for a major ticket like Distracted Driving in Toronto?
Distracted Driving is considered a Major offence in Ontario and carries substantial penalties, especially for repeat offenders:
- First Offence: Minimum fine of $615 and 3 demerit points, plus a 3-day license suspension.
- Second Offence: Minimum fine of $615 and 6 demerit points, plus a 7-day license suspension.
- Third and Subsequent Offences: Minimum fine of $615 and 6 demerit points, plus a 30-day license suspension.
A conviction for a Major offence like this can result in a significant surcharge on your insurance, often leading to a drastic premium increase for three years.
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 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.
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.