Understanding the Demerit Point System in Canada

Demerit Points System - Rules of the Road in Canada

Canada employs a unique system to monitor drivers—the Demerit Points System. The system adds points to a licence if a driver breaks specific road laws and is convicted. If the driver collects a threshold of points, the Ministry of Transportation may revoke their licence.

How the demerit point system works

All drivers start with zero points. Every time a driver breaks road rules and is convicted, the driver accumulates demerit points. The number of Demerit points varies based on the violation. Demerit points stay on the driver’s driving record for two years, starting the day of the initial offence report. If the driver gathers enough points, it could lead to a revoked licence.

The demerit point system applies in all Canadian provinces and territories.

How demerit points are applied

Various offences result in a range of points added to the driver's licence. The table below shows the demerit points for different violations.

Points	Offence
2 Points	Improper right turn Improper left turn Improper opening of a vehicle door Prohibited turns Towing people — on toboggans, bicycles, skis Unnecessary slow driving Backing on highway Failing to lower headlamp beams Failing to obey signs Failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing Failing to share the road Failing to signal Driver failing to wear a seat belt Driver failing to ensure infant/child passenger is properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system or booster seat Driver failing to ensure that a passenger less than 23kg is properly secured Driver failing to ensure that a passenger under 16 years is wearing a seat belt Driver failing to ensure that a passenger under 16 years is sitting in a seat that has a seatbelt
3 Points	Driving while holding or using a hand-held wireless communications or entertainment device Driving while viewing a display screen unrelated to the driving task Exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h Driving through, around or under a railway crossing barrier Driving the wrong way on a divided road Driving or operating a vehicle on a closed road Failing to yield the right-of-way Failing to obey a stop sign, traffic control stop/slow sign, traffic light or railway crossing signal Failing to obey the directions of a police officer Failing to report a collision to a police officer Failing to slow and carefully pass a stopped emergency vehicle or a tow truck with its amber lights flashing Failing to move, where possible, into another lane when passing a stopped emergency vehicle or a tow truck with its amber lights flashing Improper passing Improper driving when road is divided into lanes Going the wrong way on a one-way road Crossing a divided road where no proper crossing is provided Crowding the driver's seat Driving a vehicle equipped with a radar detector Improper use of a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane
4 Points	Speeding beyond the speed limit by 30-49km/h Following too closely Failing to stop at a pedestrian crossover
5 Points	Failure to stop at a railway cross (only applies to bus drivers)
6 points	Dangerous and reckless driving Racing on open roads Speeding 50km/hr beyond the speed limit Failure to stop for a school bus
7 points	Leaving the scene of an accident Failing to stop when signalled by a police officer

Consequences and Penalties

The consequences vary depending on whether the individual is a novice driver or one with a full licence. They also depend on the number of individual licence demerit points.

Consequences for a driver with a full licence;

What happens at each level of Demerit Points

Demerit Points System

Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/understanding-demerit-points

Obey the Police

It is essential always to follow the instructions of a law enforcement officer.

When being pulled over by a police officer, the driver must come to a stop on the right-hand side of the road as soon and as safely as possible. The driver must remain seated in the car; do not step out. Wait for the officer to walk up to the vehicle and be sure to comply with their instructions. Failure to comply can lead to car impounding, licence suspension, or both.

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