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Traffic Tickets in Ontario: What You Need to Know

Understanding the Law, Your Options, and How Apuntar Legal Services Can Help


Traffic Tickets in Ontario

Getting a traffic ticket in Ontario can be stressful and confusing. Whether you’ve been pulled over for speeding, disobeying a traffic sign, or failing to move over for emergency vehicles, it’s important to understand your rights and legal options. At Apuntar Legal Services, we help drivers make informed decisions and fight tickets that could impact their driving record, insurance rates, or even employment.


1. Understanding Traffic Tickets in Ontario


Traffic tickets in Ontario are governed under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and prosecuted through the Provincial Offences Act (POA). Common offences include:


  • Speeding (HTA s. 128)

  • Disobeying stop signs or traffic lights (HTA s. 136, s. 144)

  • Failing to yield to pedestrians (HTA s. 140)

  • Driving without insurance (Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act)

  • Using a handheld device while driving (HTA s. 78.1)

  • Failing to move over for emergency vehicles (HTA s. 159(3))


Each offence carries different penalties including fines, demerit points, license suspensions, or even criminal charges (e.g., careless or dangerous driving in extreme cases).


2. What Happens After You Get a Ticket


Once you receive a traffic ticket (also called a Provincial Offence Notice), you typically have 15 days to respond by selecting one of three options:


  • Option 1: Plead guilty and pay the fine.

  • Option 2: Plead guilty with an explanation in front of a Justice of the Peace.

  • Option 3: Request a trial (plead not guilty) — you’ll receive a Notice of Trial and can later request disclosure.


Failing to respond could lead to a conviction in your absence, higher fines, license suspension, or even a warrant in some cases.


3. Consequences of Traffic Convictions


Depending on the nature of the offence, consequences can include:


  • Demerit points on your driving record

  • Increased insurance premiums

  • Suspension of your driver’s license

  • Vehicle impoundment

  • Loss of employment, especially if your job requires a clean driving record (e.g., commercial drivers)


Some offences, like driving without insurance, carry mandatory minimum fines and may affect your ability to renew your license or vehicle registration.


4. How to Fight a Traffic Ticket


You have the legal right to challenge a traffic ticket. This process includes:


  • Requesting disclosure from the prosecutor (officer’s notes, witness statements, radar/lidar calibration)

  • Reviewing the evidence for errors or omissions

  • Negotiating a resolution through a pre-trial meeting

  • Attending trial and cross-examining the officer


However, the process can be intimidating and time-consuming without legal help.


5. Why Choose Apuntar Legal Services

At Apuntar Legal Services, we provide trusted, affordable, and strategic representation for drivers across Ontario. Here’s how we can assist:


  • Free initial consultation to assess your ticket

  • Review of disclosure and possible defences

  • Negotiation with prosecutors for charge reduction or withdrawal

  • Court representation — you don’t always need to attend

  • Virtual or in-person support based on your location


We handle traffic matters across Ontario, including Toronto, Peel, York, Durham, Ottawa, Muskoka, and beyond.


6. Don’t Pay That Ticket Without Talking to Us First


Many drivers pay tickets thinking they’re saving time — but that decision can cost you far more in the long run. Before you plead guilty, contact us to explore your options.


📞 Call 437 987-2458 or book a consultation online at www.apuntarlaw.ca


Let us help protect your driving record and peace of mind.

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