Demerit points are added to your driver’s licence, if you are convicted of breaking certain driving laws. The rules are different depending on if you are a new driver or have a full licence. This information will explain how the demerit points system works.
How demerit points work
You don’t “lose” demerit points on your driving record. You start with zero points and gain points for being convicted of breaking certain traffic laws.
Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date. If you collect enough points, you can lose your driver’s licence.
Penalties for demerit points
The consequences for gaining demerit points depend on how many you have added to your driving record.
As a driver with a full licence, if you have:
2 to 8 points:
You will be sent a warning letter.
9 to 14 points:
Your licence could be suspended. You may have to attend an interview to discuss your driving record. At this meeting, you will need to provide reasons why your licence should not be suspended.
You will get a letter to notify you of the time, date and location of the meeting. If you do not attend, your licence could be suspended.
15+ points:
Your licence will be suspended for 30 days.
When your licence is suspended, you will get a letter from the Ministry of Transportation. It will tell you the date your suspension takes effect and that you need to surrender your licence.
If you do not surrender your licence, you can lose your licence for up to two years.
Penalties for demerit points: new drivers
You are considered a novice – or new – driver if you have a G1, G2, M1, M2, M1-L or M2-L licence. As a new driver, you face different consequences for adding demerit points.
As a new driver, if you have:
2 to 5 points:
You will be sent a warning letter.
6 to 8 points:
Your licence could be suspended. You may have to attend an interview to discuss your driving record. At this meeting, you will need to provide reasons why your licence should not be