How Demerit Points Work

Demerit points are entered on the record of drivers who commit certain offences under the Highway Traffic Act. They can also be applied under some municipal by-laws, provincial or federal statutes, or regulations relating to road safety.

Novice drivers in Ontario can accrue up to 8 demerit points, while fully licenced drivers may accumulate up to 14 demerit points. Once you reach 15 demerit points, as a fully licenced driver, or nine demerit points, as a novice driver, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will suspend your driver’s licence for 30 days (full licence) or 60 days (novice licence) for the first demerit point violation. A second demerit point suspension will result in a six-month suspension.

Demerit Points remain on your driving record for two years from the date the traffic ticket is received. You could potentially lose your driver’s licence for accumulating too many points

You are considered a novice or new driver if you have a G1, G2, M1, M2, M1-L or M2-L licence. As a new driver, you face different consequences for adding demerit points.

As a new driver, if you have:

2 to 5 points:
You will be sent a warning letter.

6 to 8 points:
Your licence could be suspended. You may have to attend an interview to discuss your driving record. At this meeting, you will need to provide reasons why your licence should not be suspended.

If you have to attend an interview, you will get a letter (Notice of Interview) to notify you of the time, date and location of the meeting. If you do not attend, your licence could be suspended.