We’ve written a lot of different blogs about the kinds of traffic tickets you can receive, how you can get those tickets and how to fight them. But what’s really important to know is why you SHOULD fight that traffic ticket. There are a variety of reasons why fighting your traffic ticket is the best and right action to take.
Insurance
Insurance companies will classify traffic convictions as minor, major, or criminal (or sometimes serious). Each of the classification is given a percentage surcharge so that an increase to your premiums can be determined at insurance renewal time. This increase may last three years from the next renewal date. Even convictions that have no demerit points may result in an increase in your insurance premium.
Another thing to note is how the number of convictions on your record affects your insurance rates. Generally, after a second conviction, your premiums rise. It could be a 10% increase, and then after third conviction a 15% increase, after a fourth, 20%. Repeat offences also mean you are a higher risk to insure, and some companies might even cancel your insurance if you become too much of a risk to insure.
Demerit Points
Demerit points are only added upon conviction, not when issued the traffic ticket. You can be convicted when you simply pay the ticket without contesting it, plead guilty to it in court, or when you are deemed guilty in court.
Demerit points stay on your driver’s record for a period of 2 years from the date the offence was committed. So, if your case goes on for an extended period of time, you plead guilty or are found guilty at a trial, the demerit points are put on your driving record but disappear after a shorter amount of time.
Drivers with a full G licence can have their licence suspended with 9 to 14 points at the discretion of the Ministry of Transportation. A driver may have to attend an interview to discuss his/her driving record and to discuss why his/her licence shouldn’t be suspended.
After 15+ points a driver with a full G licence will have his/her licence suspended automatically and must surrender the driver’s licence. If the licence is not suspended the driver can have his/her licence suspended for 2 years.
New drivers with a G1 or G2 licence can have their licence suspended after 6 to 8 points at the discretion of the Ministry of Transportation. They will also have to attend a meeting to discuss their driving record at this point.
After 9 points a new driver will have his/her licence suspended automatically. G2 drivers can also receive automatic suspensions for certain offences, like a BAC above 0, careless driving, or any offence that gives 4 or more demerit points.
Fines
The majority of traffic tickets come with a set fine. These can range anywhere from $35.00 to $400.00. You can see set fine amounts here. However, there are many offences that don’t include a set fine and set you back thousands of dollars.
Another thing to remember is if your licence is suspended you will also have to pay to have it reinstated, yet another fee.
Whether it’s to save your driving career, to save hundreds of dollars or something else, there is always a good reason why you should fight your traffic ticket. Afterall, if you don’t fight, you lose.
Every situation is different. Remember you have the right to fight your ticket. At Bulwark Legal Services we provide free consultations. You can go to our website and send us a copy of your ticket. We will help you decide the right course of action to take.
