FAQ's

Have Questions? We've Got the Answers

Why shouldn’t I just pay the ticket?

The fine is often only part of the penalty involved with traffic violations. You may also be slapped with demerit points – which can cost you your license if they add up. Furthermore, a guilty plea often results in higher insurance premiums, where contesting your ticket successfully will prevent this.

How many demerit points can I accumulate before my license is suspended?

4-POINT BRACKET
Applies to holders of a learner’s license or probationary license
Applies to holders of a Class 6D (moped or scooter) or Class 8 (tractor) driver’s license who have held their license for fewer than 5 years
Applies to individuals who do not hold a license
Individuals without a license who reach or exceed the 4-point threshold… Will have their right to obtain a license suspended for a period of 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the number of points on record. 8-POINT BRACKET
Applies to driver’s license holders under age 23
12-POINT BRACKET
Applies to driver’s license holders age 23 to 24
15-POINT BRACKET
Applies to driver’s license holders age 25 or older

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. In most cases we are able to negotiate with the prosecutor and reach an agreement before it is necessary to go to court. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to appear in court.

Can I get out of a ticket automatically if I show up in court and the police officer does not?

No. This is a common misconception. The police officer submits a report for every ticket that he or she issues. This reports serves as evidence in court, the officer is not required to show up as a witness. Your best bet in most cases is to arrange a deal with the prosecutor without every actually going to court.

How long do infractions stay on my driving record?

Demerit points resulting from traffic infractions stay on your record for two years. If there are 15 points or more on your record at any one time, your license will be revoked.

Can you guarantee results?

Unfortunately not. Due to the nature of our legal system, it is not possible to guarantee positive results in 100% of cases. However, our team is skilled in the art of negotiating with prosecutors and in the vast majority of cases we are able to reduce or eliminate fines and demerit points.

Is it necessary to provide an explanation when pleading ‘not guilty’ on my ticket?

No. Since no citizen has the obligation to explain themselves until the prosecution has established the facts of its case, any written explanations received by the prosecutor will not be filed in court and the judge will not see them before or at trial. All defences and testimonies must be provided orally at the time scheduled for your trial, except in exceptional circumstances.

Can I postpone my court hearing?

Yes. Typically the Crown prosecutor will allow for a postponement in the event you cannot attend the date provided for hearing and for valid reasons; however you should not expect an unlimited number of postponement as they may be contested either by the Crown and even the judge.

What happens if I don’t show up to court?

The Crown Prosecutor will proceed in your absence and will try to make their case in your absence and the judge will render a decision accordingly.

What happens if I just rip up the traffic ticket and forget about it?

Don’t do this! Remember you have personally been identified and your vehicle as well. You cannot avoid a ticket that has been issued to you and the Crown will pursue the case even if the ticket is in a million pieces.