Hello Dear Friends,
Traffic violations and demerit points significantly impact our budget and insurance rates. So, what kinds of penalties do specific mistakes in Ontario result in? Let’s take a closer look together.
1. Distracted Driving Could Cost You Big!
Using your phone while driving, texting, watching videos, adjusting the GPS while driving (it must be set before you start), eating, drinking, or smoking while driving are all forms of distracted driving.
If caught:
• Fine: $615–$1,000
• Demerit Points: 3 points
• License Suspension: 3 days
2. G1 Drivers Must Have an Experienced Driver Present
If you drive alone or without someone with at least 4 years of G Full experience:
• Fine: $110
• License Suspension: 30 days
3. Hit-and-Run or Ignoring Police Commands
If you flee the scene of an accident or fail to pull over when signaled by police:
• Demerit Points: 7 points
4. Actions That Lead to 6 Demerit Points
• Careless driving
• Street racing (Be careful, especially younger drivers!)
• Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more
• Failing to stop for a school bus with its stop sign and flashing lights
5. Special Rules for Bus Drivers – 5 Demerit Points
If you fail to stop and check for trains at railway crossings:
• Demerit Points: 5 points
6. Tailgating and Speeding Between 30–49 km/h Over the Limit
• Demerit Points: 4 points
Please stop tailgating other cars – it’s dangerous and unnecessary!
7. Common Infractions That Result in 3 Demerit Points
• Using an electronic device while driving
• Speeding 16–29 km/h over the limit
• Driving in the wrong direction or lane
• Driving on a closed road
• Failing to yield (to vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists)
• Not stopping at a stop sign or red light
• Failing to stop or attempting to pass emergency vehicles
• Improper driving behavior or unsafe passing
8. Minor Infractions That Result in 2 Demerit Points
• Improper right or left turns
• Carelessly opening a vehicle door
• Illegal turns (e.g., U-turns where prohibited)
• Driving unnecessarily slowly (e.g., 30 km/h in a 60 km/h zone)
• Reversing on a highway after missing an exit
• Failing to obey traffic signs or signals
• Not using signals
• Failing to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Transporting a child without the proper car seat
Dear Friends,
Close tailgating can lead to stressful and dangerous situations for the driver ahead. Is it really worth it? What do you gain from following so closely?
When you honk at someone making a turn, do you realize you might pressure them into making a risky move? Imagine the person you’re tailgating or honking at is your loved one – your spouse or child. Would you treat them the same way?
My advice is simple: take a moment to consider others’ safety, and let kindness guide your actions on the road.
I apologize if my tone is stern, but as I share these demerit points, I also wanted to address reckless driving behaviors that can lead to unnecessary accidents and penalties.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy week ahead, filled with safe and penalty-free driving.
Orhan Hoca
Your Compassionate Driving Instructor
647 984 4682
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