Got a Traffic Ticket? Understand Your Options
For many people, their first interaction with police happens during a roadside stop—stress building with every passing second, and uncertainty about what comes next. If you’ve received a traffic ticket or been charged with a driving offence in Ontario, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. The good news is, you have options to move forward.
Providing professional, judgment-free legal representation for individuals facing traffic tickets and provincial offences across Ontario. I understand that your ability to drive is more than just convenience—it can impact your independence, your livelihood, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with minor to serious traffic-related offences, I am committed to helping you protect what matters most.
My goal is simple: to guide you through the legal process with confidence, advocate on your behalf, and work toward the best possible outcome—so you can move forward and drive on.
Common Traffic Charges I Handle
Speeding
Speeding tickets can vary in severity based on a number of factors.
They can range from 0-6 demerit points and a fine from from $12.50 and up with no limit on a maximum fine.
Speeding tickets can also have a driver’s licence suspension attached, specifically a G2 driver with a speed of greater than 30km/h.
Speeding ticket could affect your insurance policy and/or employment.
Please seek a consultation as most speeding tickets need to be fought to reduce the severity of these penalties.
Stunt Driving
When you are charged with Stunt Driving, you will receive an automatic 30-day roadside suspension and a 14-day vehicle impound. You will also receive a court date on the side of the road.
The penalties include 6 demerit points, a fine between $2,000 – $10,000, a mandatory minimum 1 year driver’s licence suspension and a possibility of up to 6 months in jail, on the first offence.
Careless Driving
Careless Driving is commonly given out after car accidents.
This charge carries 6 demerit points, and a fine between $490.00 to $1,000.00.
It could also carry a licence suspension and/or up to 6 months in jail.
It could be laid with or without a court date.
It can have a large impact on your insurance, employment or even cause a licence suspension as a G2 Driver.
Disobey Stop Sign
This is a 3 demerit point ticket with a fine of $110.00.
While it can be viewed as a minor ticket, it can impact insurance and employment.
Fail to Stop – Red Light/Amber Light
This is a 3 demerit point ticket with a fine of $325.00.
Drive Handheld Communication Device
This is a 3 demerit point ticket, a $615 fine and a 3 day licence suspension on the first conviction.
As a G2 Driver, the licence suspension is 30 days on the first offence.
This ticket is commonly referred to as Texting and Driving.
This ticket can be given out even if you are just holding a cell phone and not actively using the device.
Driver- Fail to Properly Wear Seat Belt
This is a 2 demerit point ticket with a fine of $240.
This ticket can affect insurance and employment.
Driving Under Suspension
This ticket carries 0 demerit points, a minimum fine of $1,000 and a mandatory 6 months licence suspension to be added to any exisiting suspension currently being served on a first offence.
This could have an impact on your insurance and employment.
Driving without Insurance
This is a 0 demerit point ticket with a minimum fine of $5,000 on the first offence.
This ticket can be given out to the owner of the vehicle if they allow a non-insured driver to drive their vehicle.
Liquor and Cannabis Related Charges
While Drunk Driving is a criminal offence and I am unable to assist with those matters, there are a number of offences that fall under Provincial Offences that I can assist with.
Driving with Open Alcohol
Novice Driver – BAC Above Zero
Cannabis Readily Available
And More.
Please see click on the Other link below to be directed to that page.
Camera Tickets
Camera tickets are generally mailed to the address of the owner of the vehicle.
Because there is no confirmation of the driver of the vehicle only the vehicle, there are no demerit points associated with these tickets. CVOR points may apply to Commercial Motor Vehicles.
If you would still like a consultation on this type of ticket please seek a consultation.
Other Charges
Your charge may not be listed above, thats okay.
Please click the link below to be directed to the Other page for assistance.
What Happens After You Get a Ticket?
After receiving a ticket, you typically have a limited time to respond. Depending on the situation, there are different options available, each with potential consequences for your driving record and insurance.
Understanding your options early can make a difference.
- Tickets without a court date, you have 15 days to respond to one of the options on the ticket.
- Tickets with a court date, you/or your representative will need to attend the court date.
- Prior to the court date, disclosure (the evidence against you) should be requested from the prosecutor. At times, there is no disclosure before the first court date.
Why It Matters
Traffic tickets can impact:
- Your Driving Record
- Insurance premiums
- Demerit points
- Employment Opportunities
- and More
Taking the time to understand your situation can help you make informed decisions moving forward. I am here to help, I prefer to not set limits on my consultations. I want to ensure you receive all the information you need to make a decision on which path your decide.
Clear Communication. No Judgment.
Garrett Legal Services is committed to providing straightforward guidance in a respectful, no-judgment environment. You’ll always know where things stand and what your options are.
Get Started
Book a consultation to review your situation and next steps.