Demerit Points

What Are Demerit Points? An Ontario Driver's Guide

May 27, 2026 · 6 min read

How the demerit system works, how points affect your licence and insurance, and how to reduce your exposure.

This is placeholder article content. Bridge Legal Services publishes plain-language guides to help Ontario drivers understand their options before pleading to any traffic charge.

Key takeaways

  • Never pay a ticket without understanding the demerit point and insurance impact first.
  • Requesting a trial preserves every defence — including negotiations with the prosecutor.
  • Most matters are resolved without the driver ever appearing in court.

Next steps

If you've received a ticket in Ontario, contact Bridge Legal Services for a free consultation. Book online or call our Etobicoke office.

Paying a ticket is a plea of guilty

Got a ticket? Don't just pay it.

Paying results in a permanent record, demerit points, and insurance rate hikes. Speak to us first — the consultation is 100% free and there's no obligation.