How Ontario’s demerit system works
You begin with zero points and gain points only after a conviction for a listed driving offence. Ontario records the points as of the date the offence happened. Points from more than one conviction arising from the same circumstances are generally recorded only for the conviction carrying the greatest number of points, subject to the regulation.
A ticket can still carry a fine, affect a driving record or lead to another sanction even when it adds no demerit points. Camera-issued tickets are generally tied to the vehicle owner, not identified to a driver, so this calculator is intended for driver convictions.
Novice versus full licence
Full G 15+ SUSPENSION
6–8 points brings a warning letter, 9–14 brings a second warning, and 15 or more results in a 30-day suspension for a first point suspension. The governing regulation also gives MTO authority to require an interview or information at 9–14 points.
G1 / G2 9+ SUSPENSION
2–5 points brings a warning letter, 6–8 a second warning, and 9 or more a 60-day suspension. A separate escalating-sanctions ladder can apply sooner.
Novice escalating sanctions
A conviction for breaking a graduated-licensing condition, using a hand-held device, or an offence associated with four or more demerit points can trigger a 30-day suspension for the first event, a 90-day suspension for the second, and cancellation of the novice licence for the third. Where the escalating sanction applies to a 4+ point offence, Ontario’s regulation provides that those demerit points are recorded as zero.
Can you reduce demerit points?
There is no course or payment that simply removes valid Ontario demerit points. They age off two years after the offence date. Practical steps are to check your driver record, avoid new convictions, and review a ticket promptly if you intend to dispute it. An appeal can affect when a conviction and its points are entered, but deadlines and procedures matter.
After a point suspension, Ontario says a reinstated full licence is reduced to 7 points and a novice licence to 4 points. Another point suspension can last six months.
Fines and points are different
A fine is the monetary penalty attached to a ticket or conviction. Demerit points are an administrative record used by the Ministry of Transportation. Paying a ticket generally resolves the charge as a conviction; it does not buy away the points. Court-ordered suspensions, roadside suspensions, insurance consequences and novice escalating sanctions can also operate separately from the point total shown here.
Official sources
- Ontario Ministry of Transportation — Understanding demerit points
- Ontario Regulation 339/94 — Demerit Point System and official offence table
- Ontario Highway Traffic Act, section 56
- Ontario Regulation 340/94 — novice escalating sanctions
Source pages can be amended. Check the current wording and any Ministry notice that applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
How long do demerit points stay on an Ontario record?
Two years from the date of the offence, according to Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation.
How many points suspend a full G licence?
At 15 or more accumulated points, a fully licensed driver’s licence is suspended for 30 days for a first point suspension.
How many points suspend a G1 or G2 licence?
A novice licence is suspended for 60 days at 9 or more accumulated points. Separate escalating sanctions can trigger a suspension after one qualifying conviction.
Does paying a ticket remove the demerit points?
No. Paying a ticket generally results in a conviction, and the applicable points are added to the driving record. A fine and demerit points are different consequences.
Does every speeding ticket add demerit points?
Ontario’s published table assigns 3 points for 16–29 km/h over, 4 for 30–49 km/h over, and 6 for 50 km/h or more over. It also lists 6 points for 40 km/h or more over where the speed limit is under 80 km/h. Lower-speed convictions may still carry fines and other effects.