3 types of traffic tickets in Ontario (and how they impact car insurance)

This article was originally published on May 24, 2019 and was updated on August 14, 2025. 

Driving over the speed limit, rolling through a stop sign and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol are all examples of traffic tickets, also known as traffic violations, in Canada. However, they are not all treated equally. The location and severity of the offence determine the type of violation and the consequences that will follow. 

Across Canada, there are three types of traffic violations a driver can commit: minor, major and criminal. This article focuses on how they apply to Ontario drivers. Depending on the type of offence, drivers could face monetary fines, have their license suspended, see their auto insurance rates increase, and even serve jail time. 

Understanding the differences between the types of violations and their impact on your driving record and auto insurance rates can help you avoid costly mistakes on the road. 

Let’s break down the three different types of traffic tickets in Ontario.

Minor violations

What is considered a minor violation? 

A minor traffic violation is the least serious type of traffic offence a driver can commit. It falls under provincial law and typically results in traffic tickets and fines. 

The definition of a minor violation varies across provinces; however, in Ontario, it includes: 

• Speeding (1-49 km/hr over)*
• Failure to use seatbelts
• Failure to signal
• Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light
• Failure to yield
• Improper lane changes

^{*In general, driving 1-49km/hr over the speed limit will result in a minor traffic violation. However, there are scenarios where it may be considered a major violation, depending on the speed limit and location of the offence.} 

What is the average cost of a minor violation? 

According to Schedule 43 - Highway Traffic Act (Ontario Court of Justice set fines), the cost of a minor traffic ticket in Ontario can range between approximately $30 and $350 or more, depending on the offence. In some cases, the fines can reach $400+, for instance, if a driver fails to stop at a red light in a community safety zone. 

Speeding fines are calculated based on how fast a driver was going over the limit. The table below outlines the cost of fines, as listed in the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

Note: Speeding in a community safety or construction zone and with workers present will result in higher fines per kilometre. 

Also read: How do speeding tickets impact auto insurance in Ontario?

How long do minor traffic violations stay on your driving record?

In Ontario, a minor violation of the HTA will stay on your record for three years from the day you pay the fine, also known as the date of conviction. Insurance companies typically review your driving record for the past three years when calculating premiums. 

What’s the insurance impact of a minor violation?

Several factors will determine how your insurance premiums will be affected when you have a minor conviction on your record, including your age, license class, driving history, and insurance provider, among others. The examples below are based on a G-licensed driver over the age of 25. 

According to Ratehub data, a minor driving violation could increase your auto insurance premiums by approximately 10% to 20%. If you have two or more convictions, your premiums could rise by up to 20% to 40%, depending on the number and severity of the offences. 

Most insurance companies consider your driving record over the last three years to calculate rates. During this period, any convictions on your record can affect your premiums. Remember that insurance companies calculate their rates differently, so the ranges listed above will depend on your provider. One company may offer you higher rates than another if you have multiple minor convictions on your driving abstract. 

It’s also worth noting that if you have a conviction-free discount applied to your insurance policy, you will lose it after one minor ticket. So you can expect your premiums to increase once the discount is removed.

Some insurance carriers also offer ticket forgiveness, which is an optional policy endorsement that protects against premium increases after a driving conviction. However, this coverage typically only applies to minor violations and first-time offences. If you have ticket forgiveness, your auto insurance premiums won’t increase after a one-time minor conviction. 

However, if you renew your policy with a new provider, they typically will not honour the previous ticket forgiveness. Instead, the provider will assess your driving record, and all convictions will be reflected in your premiums. 

Three minor convictions on your record could mean you no longer qualify for coverage under some insurers, and you may have to enter the non-standard insurance market. 

Major violations

What is considered a major violation? 

A major traffic violation is a step above a minor offence and could escalate to a criminal charge, depending on the severity. As with minor violations, major violations fall under provincial law and typically result in traffic tickets and fines. In Ontario, major violations include: 

• Distracted driving 
• Failure to report an accident 
• Improper passing of a school bus 
• Failure to slow for an emergency vehicle
• Failure to report damage to a highway property

What is the average cost of a major violation?

According to Schedule 43 and Ontario’s distracted driving guide, the cost of a major traffic ticket can range between approximately $85 and $3,000 or more, depending on the offence. 

The lower end of the fines applies to failure to report damage to property on a highway, whereas more severe fines apply to offences such as improper passing of a school bus, failure to slow for an emergency vehicle and distracted driving. 

Drivers with A to G licenses in Ontario will receive a $615 fine for distracted driving when it’s their first conviction (including the victim surcharge and court fee). If the driver chooses to fight the ticket in court and loses, they could face a fine of up to $1,000. For a second conviction, drivers could face a fine of up to $2,000 if they fight the ticket in court and lose, and up to $3,000 for a third conviction.

In addition, there is potential to be charged with careless driving if you hurt other people or even with dangerous driving, which are both criminal offences. 

How long do major traffic violations stay on your driving record?

In Ontario, a major violation of the HTA will remain on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction, which your provider reviews when calculating your rates. 

What’s the insurance impact of a major violation?

Several factors, including your age, license class, driving record and insurance company, determine how your insurance premiums will be affected when you have a major conviction on your record. The examples below are based on a G-licensed driver over the age of 25. 

According to Ratehub data, one major traffic ticket could increase your auto insurance premiums by anywhere from 100% to 150%, depending on the severity of your offence and your provider. With three or more major convictions, you could enter the facility market, where getting coverage becomes increasingly difficult and significantly more expensive. 

The good news is that most insurance companies only look at the past three years when calculating your rates. After three years have passed, your insurer will no longer consider the major violation, and your insurance premium should decrease. 

Criminal violations

What is considered a criminal driving offence?

A criminal driving offence is the most serious offence a driver can commit. These types of offences fall under federal jurisdiction and are prosecuted under the Criminal Code of Canada. Criminal driving offences include:

• Impaired driving
• Careless driving
• Dangerous driving
• Failing to stop at the scene of an accident
• Refusal to provide a breath or blood sample
• Driving while under suspension or without a license 

What is the average cost of a criminal driving offence?

The cost of committing a criminal driving offence ranges between $1,000 and $5,000, or more when factoring in additional expenses such as legal fees. Beyond monetary fines, penalties can include license suspension and jail time. 

According to the Government of Canada, the penalties for alcohol impaired driving start at a minimum $1,000 fine with a maximum legal penalty of 10 years in prison for a first-time offence. In addition, refusing to comply with a demand for a sample carries a minimum fine of $2,000. 

The Criminal Code of Canada states that any person convicted of a summary conviction offence is liable to a maximum fine of $5,000 or a term of imprisonment of up to two years, or both. 

How long does a criminal driving offence stay on your driving record?

In Canada, a criminal driving offence will remain on your driving record for a minimum of three years, from the date of conviction, which insurance providers consider when calculating premiums. In addition to your driving record, you will also receive a criminal record and could have your license suspended. A suspension will stay on your record for around 6 years.

What’s the insurance impact of a criminal driving offence?

Factors such as your age, license class, driving record, and insurer determine how your insurance premiums will be affected when you have a criminal conviction on your record. The examples below are based on a G-licensed driver over the age of 25. 

Having a criminal offence on your driving record will drastically increase the cost of your car insurance. According to Ratehub data, a single criminal offence could increase your rates by over 150%. Note that if your license is suspended, you will experience additional insurance increases. 

You’ll also be classified as a high-risk driver under either the non-standard or facility insurance market, depending on the number or severity of your offence. Two or more criminal driving convictions will push you into the facility market, where obtaining auto insurance coverage will be challenging and costly. 

Fortunately, insurance companies only consider the last three years of your driving record when calculating insurance premiums. So, once the offence is no longer a factor in your rates, you should see a decrease in premiums.

The bottom line

The type of violation you commit determines the impact it can have on your driving record and insurance premiums. Understanding the difference between minor, major and criminal traffic violations and their associated consequences is essential to grasp the long-term financial repercussions. Drive safely to avoid costly penalties and keep yourself and your wallet protected. 

Also read

• What is the total cost of getting a traffic ticket in Ontario?
• What is the total cost of ownership for a car?
• How to get cheap car insurance in Canada
• How Ontario traffic tickets impact your auto insurance