What is the total cost of getting a traffic ticket in Ontario?

Traffic tickets are official notices issued by law enforcement officers when a traffic law is broken. In Ontario, driving violations are common offences committed each year. 

According to the Toronto Police Service Annual Statistical Report, 285,742 tickets were issued in 2024 for speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving and other traffic offences. The volume of tickets varies across municipalities; for instance, as of June 2025, more than 32,000 speeding tickets were handed out in just three weeks by an automated speed camera in Vaughan, Ontario.

While province-wide totals are hard to track, available data suggest that hundreds of thousands of tickets are issued each year across Ontario. To most, traffic tickets are considered a simple one-time expense, but the real costs come to light later in auto insurance premiums. 

So, what does this mean for drivers? How much does a traffic ticket really cost once you factor in increased auto insurance rates? 

Let’s break down the total cost of getting a traffic ticket in Ontario. 

Do traffic tickets affect auto insurance?

The short answer is, it depends. The type of ticket, its severity, your license class, age and driving history all play a part in whether your auto insurance premiums will increase and by how much.

Insurance companies use driving records, also known as the driving abstract, to assess risk level. One traffic ticket may not affect your rates (especially if you have ticket forgiveness), but multiple tickets will increase your risk factor. If this happens, you’ll likely see an increase in your premiums.

Ontario operates on a tiered market system to categorize coverage options based on the driver’s risk. For example: 

• Standard insurance is offered to low-risk drivers.
• Non-standard insurance is for high-risk drivers who struggle to find standard coverage.
• Facility insurance is a last-resort option for the highest-risk drivers who cannot find coverage anywhere else. 

The number of tickets and the severity of your violations will determine the risk category you fall into and the impact on your premiums.

What is the total cost of getting a traffic ticket?

^{The total cost of getting a traffic ticket was calculated using Ratehub.ca’s 2025 data. See the methodology below.} 

While getting a traffic ticket may seem like a one-time expense, the financial consequences on your auto insurance premiums can follow you for years.

Our data show that even a single minor conviction can increase insurance rates by approximately 15% over three years. That one conviction could end up costing you nearly $1,000 in additional insurance fees. 

The table below outlines examples of the financial impact that drivers could face for committing various types of violations, compared to maintaining a clean driving history. The most severe penalties could cost a minimum of nearly $13,000 over 3 years, with more severe penalties resulting in higher fines and ultimately a larger cost over time.

^{Note: The data does not factor in potential inflation increases over the three-year period, potential court fees or rating for any license suspension. The fines are based on a G-licensed driver over the age of 25.}

Sample scenarios

To illustrate the total impact of traffic violations on auto insurance rates, we created a driver profile and obtained sample quotes based on varying conviction types. 

The table below compares auto insurance rates of a driver with one to three minor convictions, one to two major convictions and one criminal offence, against the driver profile with a clean driving record. We included the conviction type and outlined the premium increase over three years. 

^{Note: The data does not factor in potential inflation increases over the three-year period or increased rating as a result of license suspension. The fines are based on a G-licensed driver over the age of 25. The quotes listed use three different insurance companies: one in the standard market and two in the non-standard insurance market.}

Key Findings 

The total cost of a traffic ticket extends far beyond the initial fine. Our data indicate that traffic tickets have long-term financial consequences on your auto insurance premiums. 

A minor ticket can cost nearly $1,000 in added premiums: While the fine for a minor driving offence can cost you as little as $30, the impact on your auto insurance can cost over $900 over three years, depending on your offence. In our sample scenario, a single minor conviction increased the driver's premiums by more than $1,500.

Major and criminal offences carry steeper consequences: A major traffic violation could increase your auto premium by around 100% to 200% over three years, or more, depending on the number of offences. A single criminal conviction could drive up your premiums by over 150%. 

Multiple traffic convictions can add up: The more tickets you receive, the harsher your penalties and the higher your insurance premiums will be. For example, drivers with multiple convictions on their record may no longer qualify for coverage under certain insurers. Instead, they’ll be forced to enter the non-standard or facility insurance markets.

Understanding the financial implications of a traffic ticket can help Canadians make safer decisions that protect themselves and their wallets. 

How to minimize the financial implications of a traffic ticket

If you’re in a position where you’ve received a ticket that will drive up your premiums, there are steps you can take to try to reduce the impact: 

Fight the ticket: Most traffic tickets allow you to dispute the fine. The details will typically be listed on the back of your ticket. If you go this route, you’ll likely need to appear in court. While you may get off the hook for the fine, or lessen your penalty and subsequent insurance hikes, beware of potential court or administrative fees you may need to pay. 

Shop for a new policy: Your best bet to reducing your auto insurance premiums is to shop the market. Insurance companies calculate rates differently, meaning one provider may quote you lower than another. So, to secure your best rate, it’s in your best interest to compare car insurance quotes online. However, remember that you must be honest in your insurance application and disclose any convictions on your driving record. 

Also read: What happens if you get caught lying to your insurance company

Look for discounts: Whether you’re shopping for a new policy or planning to renew your existing coverage, ask your insurance broker for available discounts. For example, bundling your home and auto insurance policies will lower your premiums if you have a minor conviction on your record, or being an alumnus of participating schools could also get you an insurance break. Some providers also offer discounts for completing driving courses, which can be an excellent way to lower your monthly premiums. 

The bottom line 

Traffic violations are common offences drivers commit across Ontario. However, many drivers fail to realize that even a simple fine or penalty can lead to costly expenses over time. Driving convictions will have implications for your auto insurance premiums and remain on your driving record for an average of three years. It’s not just the initial fine you’re on the hook for, but also the increased costs of your insurance premiums. 

To mitigate the risk, it’s important to stay alert while driving to keep the roads safe, free from collisions, and your insurance expenses affordable.

Also read:

• What is the total cost of ownership for a car?
• The cost of distracted driving on your car insurance
• Can you get affordable car insurance after a DUI?
• Carelessly driving your way into higher insurance
• Driving high: Cannabis edibles legalization and car insurance