Penalties for Turn Not In Safety in Ontario
A "Turn Not in Safety" offense in Ontario carries penalties that include:
- Fines: Ranging from $60 to $500.
- Demerit Points: 3 demerit points added to your driving record.
- Driving Record Impact: The conviction for turn not in safety remains on your record for 3 years, which can affect your insurance rates.
You may have a valid defense, don't hesitate to challenge the charge. We will help you identify all potential legal arguments and represent you in court. Exercising your right to a trial could prevent an unjust conviction.
In many jurisdictions prosecution takes a hard stand on turn not in safety tickets and may force you to trial. Unsafe turn tickets may be issued in many different situations and Ontario Highway Traffic Act provides various requirenment for turn offences
- Turn Not in Safety
- Unsafe Turn / Unsafe Lane Change
- Improper Right Turn
- Fail to signal lane change
- Change lane not in safety
Unsafe Lane Change in Ontario
Lane changes are similar to the turn violations but the law has defined it in a different fashion. Safe move from one lane of traffic to another rests on the driver who is making a lane change. What may seem to be a safe lane change often results in unpredictable outcomes. Driver is expected to ensure that a lane change could be completed safely and if operation of another motor vehicle may be affected, the driver is required to signal the intention of making a lane change. We can help you identify available defence to unsafe lane change tickets and argue your case in court.
If you received a ticket for Turn Not in Safety or other Unsafe Turn traffic tickets in Mississauga, Toronto or other Ontario jurisdictions, Traffic Law Paralegal Services is dedicated to fight for you. Call to fight today (905)206-9080.
Related Traffic Tickets:
Frequent Questions about Turn Not In Safety and Unsafe Lane Change Tickets
What are the demerit points and fines for a Turn Not In Safety ticket in Ontario?
The standard penalty for a Turn Not In Safety or Improper Turn ticket is typically a fine and demerit points, though these can vary. The set fine is $110 (which includes the Victim Fine Surcharge). The demerit points for this specific charge are 2 points.
A conviction also remains on your driving record for 3 years, which is the key factor that can significantly impact your insurance premiums.
What is the difference between a 'Turn Not In Safety' and an 'Unsafe Lane Change' ticket?
Both are improper driving violations under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), but they apply to different driving maneuvers:
- Turn Not In Safety (HTA s. 142): Applies to turning (left or right) at an intersection, into a driveway, or leaving the main roadway.
- Unsafe Lane Change (HTA s. 154(1a)): Applies specifically to moving a vehicle laterally from one traffic lane to another on a highway.
While the fines are similar ($110), the demerit points may differ: 'Turn Not In Safety' is 2 demerit points, while 'Unsafe Lane Change' is 3 demerit points.
How long does an unsafe turn or lane change conviction stay on my driving record?
A conviction for a minor traffic offense like Turn Not In Safety or Unsafe Lane Change remains on your official driving record (abstract) for a period of 3 years from the date of conviction (the day you pay the fine or are found guilty in court).
While the associated demerit points are only active for 2 years from the date of the offense, the conviction itself is visible to insurance companies for the full 3 years and is used to calculate your risk profile and premiums.
Can I use the 'due diligence' defence for a Turn Not In Safety ticket?
Yes. Turn Not In Safety is classified as a strict liability offence in Ontario. This is a critical legal advantage because it allows for the defense of due diligence.
While the prosecution must prove the unsafe turn occurred, you can defend yourself by demonstrating that you took every reasonable precaution (due diligence) to make the turn safely. This could include showing that you properly signaled the turn, checked all mirrors and blind spots, and exercised the caution of a reasonable driver under the circumstances.
Is a Turn Not In Safety ticket considered a minor or major offence for insurance purposes?
A conviction for Turn Not In Safety is generally classified as a minor traffic offence by insurance companies. A single minor ticket on your record can lead to substantial increases in your car insurance rates. Fighting the ticket is the best way to prevent the conviction from impacting your premiums.
About Traffic Law Paralegal Services
Serhiy Senatorov is an owner of Traffic Law Paralegal Services, former vice-president of Licensed Paralegals Association (Ontario), former vice-president and one of the founding board members of the Ontario Paralegals Association and a regular speaker on continuing professional development in a legal community.
Serhiy Senatorov is providing trusted and reliable defense in Ontario and confident to help you.
