How many demerit points do you have?

Demerit points may seem like no big deal at the moment. But when it comes to your driving record, too many demerit points can lead to several consequences--from increased car insurance premiums, a driver's licence suspension, the loss of your job if you're a commercial driver, and more.

In Canada, demerit points are assigned to your driver's licence when you commit traffic offences. This can be anything from driving over the speed limit, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, careless driving, racing, or even failing to stop at a stop sign. These points aren't removed from your licence; they're earned through your driving behaviour. The more you gain, the closer you are to facing penalties.

Ignoring how many points you have won't make them go away. So, let's break down how you can determine how many demerit points you have, how these systems work across Canadian provinces, and what you can do to improve your driving record.

How the demerit point system works in Canada

The demerit point system is meant to promote safe driving while penalizing and deterring unsafe habits. Each driver begins with a clean slate (zero demerit points). Each time you commit a driving offence, these points are added to your record. Below, we’ll break down the demerit point system into the following categories:

Demerit points work in categories

Driving infractions are categorized into three categories:

1. Minor infractions: Failing to signal, speeding slightly over the speed limit, failing to obey traffic control, failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing, improperly passing a school bus in a school zone.

2. Major infractions: Running a red traffic light, distracted driving, travelling over the speed limit by 30 to 49 km/h (three points or more)

3. Criminal code violations: Impaired driving, fleeing a police officer, speeding tickets for driving over the speed limit by 50 km/h or more (may carry six points or more) and lead to an automatically suspended driver's licence.

As you can see, the more severe your traffic offences are, the more demerit points are added to your driver's licence. Each Canadian province has its own threshold for consequences. For example, according to the Ontario government, the following occurs, depending on how many associated demerit points you have:

• 6 to 8 points: You can receive a warning letter. This may vary depending on how long you have been licensed.

• 9 to 14 points: You may have to attend an interview to explain your driving record. Don't show? You can lose your licence.

• 15+ points (for fully licensed drivers): Licence suspension for 30 days.

• 9+ points (for novice drivers): Licence suspension for 60 days.

According to statistics, 1.3 million traffic offences are tried annually under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. That's a lot of violations!

Provincial specific demerit point programs

Although each demerit point program across provinces functions under similar frameworks, the total points added to your record before a cautionary notice and licence suspension occur can vary. For example, drivers in Alberta can accumulate up to 15 demerit points before facing a licence suspension, whereas Newfoundland and Labrador functions under a 12-point system. Let's take a closer look at some of the provincial differences between demerit point systems:

Alberta demerit point system

As mentioned, the Alberta demerit point system uses a 15-point program for fully licensed drivers that remain on your record for a two-year period, starting from the date the offence happened. If you accumulate the following number of demerit points:

• 8–14 points: You’ll receive a warning letter from the Ministry of Transportation.

• 15 points: Your licence is automatically suspended for one month.

Repeated suspensions can lead to longer driving bans: Three months for the second suspension, 6 months for the third suspension if it occurs within two years. For new drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, the threshold is lower. For example, getting eight demerit points will lead to a suspension. Examples of common traffic violations:

• Speeding 16–30 km/h over: three points

• Distracted driving (e.g., using your cell phone): three points

• Failing to stop for a school bus: six points

In 2023, Alberta reported 175 incidents of impaired driving per 100,000 residents. Although this is slightly lower than the national average, it's still a major cause for concern. Repeated offences can lead to permanent suspensions and criminal charges.

British Columbia demerit point system

Unlike other provinces, British Columbia doesn't use a traditional system for demerit points that works as a scale. Instead, it uses a Driver Risk Premium (DRP) system alongside a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) to analyze and penalize high-risk motorists. Here is a closer look at how this works:

• If you collect multiple violations (even with a few points), the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) may charge you annual penalties through DRP.

• Four points or more within 12 months can lead to a DRP fee, which starts at $175 and increases the more demerit points you have on your driving record.

• Drivers with frequent or serious offences may be reviewed under DIP, which can result in suspensions and other consequences.

What happens when you accumulate too many points on your driver's licence?

Having too many demerit points on your driving record can lead to severe penalties. Provinces use different thresholds, but the escalation tends to be relatively similar:

• Warning letters: Between six and eight points added.

• Interviews or reviews of your driving record: Around nine to 14 demerit points.

• Suspensions: typically begin at 15 points in Ontario and Alberta.

Note that for new drivers, the threshold is substantially lower. In Ontario, novice drivers are automatically suspended at nine points. Alberta's new drivers face a limit of eight demerit points.

Additional consequences for licensed drivers

Below are additional consequences for licensed drivers:

• Higher insurance premiums are common once a company sees you have active demerit points on your driving record.

• You may be required to take an approved defensive driving course at your own expense.

• In serious cases, your insurance may even be denied or cancelled entirely by your insurance provider, which may cause you to purchase facility car insurance.

• Of course, criminal violations can lead to criminal charges, a permanent record, jail time, and more.

How to check the demerit points you have

If you're looking to double-check your demerit points, here's what you need to do, depending on what province you live in:

Ontario demerit point checks

You can request your driver's abstract through ServiceOntario online, by mail, or in person to check your demerit points in Ontario. Both the certified and uncertified abstract includes your demerit point total and cost around $12 to request. You’ll need your driver’s licence number and another piece of valid ID.

Alberta demerit point checks

You can check your demerit points online through the Alberta eServices website. You need a valid ID to make the request, and the fee ranges between $10 and $30.

Quebec demerit point checks

Log in to the SAAQ portal using your clicSÉQUR account to view your demerit points and licence status online. This service is free and updated daily.

How demerit points affect insurance rates

Even if you manage to avoid a driving suspension, demerit points will hit you where it hurts, your wallet. Insurance companies base their rates on your risk profile. The more demerit points you have, the higher the risk you are, which translates into higher premiums.

For example, two or more traffic violations can cause a 10 to 30% increase for minor violations and the removal of your safe driving discount. In comparison, major violations could increase your premiums by 25% or more. Multiple convictions could impact your ability to find coverage at all. Up for a car insurance renewal? For more info, talk to BrokerLink about how your driving record affects your insurance.

Common misconceptions

There's often confusion when it comes to demerit points. Let's clear up some common misconceptions:

"Paying your fine means you won't get demerit points."

False. Your conviction will be recorded on your driving record. Most demerit points stay on your record for up to two years.

"All insurance companies use the same point system."

Wrong. Insurance companies don’t use the same demerit point framework. They review your full record and make independent risk assessments based on numerous factors.

"You lose demerit points from your licence."

False. You gain demerit points each time you're convicted of a traffic violation.

How to reduce or remove demerit points

Unfortunately, you can’t remove demerit points from your record. However, there are ways you can reduce their impact on your premiums over time:

• Points expire after two years from the offence date.

• Some provinces, like Ontario and Alberta, allow you to take a defensive driving course to improve your risk profile.

• If you believe a ticket was unjustified, you can contest it in court.

The bottom line

Although demerit points may seem like a mere technicality, the more you gain, the more of an impact they can have on your finances and your ability to legally drive on the road. While each province has a different system governing traffic laws and demerit points, the underlying goal of these points is to reward safe driving and penalize those who take risks behind the wheel. Whether you have numerous demerit points or not, BrokerLink can help you find affordable types of auto insurance coverage, including:

• Third-party liability car insurance

• Accident benefits coverage

• Uninsured motorist coverage

• Collision coverage

• Comprehensive coverage

• Accident forgiveness

Worried about how your record affects your car insurance rates? Contact BrokerLink to speak with someone directly or get a free online quote today.

Get an auto insurance quote