Ontario demerit points: the full table
You start with zero points and gain demerit points when you are convicted of certain traffic offences. Points stay on your record for two years from the offence date. New drivers (G1 and G2) lose their licence at far fewer points than full G drivers, and the G1 test asks about these numbers often.
What happens at each point total
| Points | New driver (G1, G2, M1, M2) | Full licence (G) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 5 | Warning letter | Nothing yet |
| 6 to 8 | Second warning letter | Warning letter |
| 9 to 14 | 60-day suspension (at 9 or more) | Second warning letter |
| 15 or more | Suspended (see above) | 30-day suspension |
After a demerit suspension you may need to take the vision, knowledge and road tests again. When the licence is reinstated, the points go down to 4 for a new driver and 7 for a full driver. If you reach the suspension level again, the next suspension is 6 months. If you don't surrender a suspended licence, you can lose it for up to two years.
Points per offence
| Points | Offences (examples from Ontario.ca) |
|---|---|
| 7 | Failing to remain at the scene of a collision; failing to stop when signalled by police |
| 6 | Careless driving; racing; 40 km/h or more over on roads posted under 80 km/h; 50 km/h or more over anywhere; failing to stop for a school bus |
| 5 | Failing to stop at an unprotected railway crossing (bus drivers only) |
| 4 | 30 to 49 km/h over; following too closely; failing to stop at a pedestrian crossover |
| 3 | 16 to 29 km/h over; hand-held phone or a display screen unrelated to driving; failing to yield; running a stop sign or red light; driving around a railway crossing barrier; wrong way on a one-way or divided road; failing to slow down and move over for a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck; failing to report a collision; improper passing; radar detector; improper HOV lane use |
| 2 | Improper turns; prohibited turns; failing to signal; failing to lower high beams; driver not wearing a seatbelt; passenger under 16 without a seatbelt or child seat; improper opening of a vehicle door; unnecessary slow driving; backing on a highway; failing to share the road |
Extra rules for G1 and G2 drivers
New drivers also face escalating penalties. They apply when you are convicted of breaking a G1/G2 condition, or of an offence worth 4 or more points:
- First time: 30-day suspension
- Second time: 90-day suspension
- Third time: your novice licence is cancelled, and you start over with all tests and fees
The G1 conditions themselves (zero alcohol, accompanying driver, no driving from midnight to 5 a.m.) are on our G1 restrictions cheat sheet.
Points from outside Ontario
Convictions in other Canadian provinces and territories, New York State and Michigan add points to your Ontario record as if they happened in Ontario. That covers offences such as speeding, running a stop sign or red light, failing to stop for a school bus, racing, careless driving, and leaving the scene of a collision.
FAQ
Do I "lose" points like in some countries?
No. In Ontario you start at zero and gain points. In mainland China the system works the other way round (you lose points from 12), so be careful on the test.
Do points come off when I pay the ticket?
No. Paying the fine is a conviction, and the points are added. They drop off two years after the offence date.
Does my insurance see the points?
Insurers look at your conviction history, and convictions usually raise premiums. Ask your insurer how they treat a specific ticket.
Sources: Ontario.ca – Understanding demerit points, MTO Driver's Handbook – Keeping your driver's licence. Checked November 2026.