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6 minute read Published on Oct 12, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Driving convictions in Ontario carry substantial implications for drivers, impacting various things ranging from insurance premiums to driving privileges.
In this blog, you’ll learn what a driving conviction is, the three categories of convictions, and the role of traffic tickets on insurance premiums.
Convictions are broken down into three categories - minor, major, and serious.
One minor driving conviction typically doesn't affect your insurance rates.
Major convictions can significantly increase your premiums, often by 100% or more.
Driving convictions refer to legal judgments or findings of guilt against individuals who have violated traffic laws or regulations while driving a motor vehicle. These violations, also known as driving offences or infractions, can include a variety of behaviours, such as speeding, running red lights, impaired driving, reckless driving, and failure to yield, among others.
When a driver is convicted of a driving offence, they will usually face penalties imposed by the legal system. These penalties may include fines, demerit points added to the driver's record, suspension or revocation, mandatory participation in driver improvement programs, and, in severe cases, imprisonment.
An example of a driving conviction would be a driver getting stopped for speeding on an Ontario highway. If the driver is found to be exceeding the posted speed limit and is given a speeding ticket by law enforcement, they have committed a driving offence. Upon receiving the ticket, the driver can either pay the fine or dispute the ticket in court. Here is what the process may look like:
If the driver decides to pay the fine, they admit guilt and accept the consequences of the offence. This typically involves paying the specified fine and receiving demerit points on their record.
If the driver chooses to dispute the ticket in court, they can present their case and challenge the evidence against them. The court will then make a judgment based on the evidence presented.
If the driver is found guilty of the offence in court, they will be convicted of the driving offence. This conviction will result in penalties such as fines, demerits, and potentially other consequences like licence suspension or mandatory participation in driver training programs, depending on the severity of the offence and the driver's history.
It is crucial for drivers to understand the driving laws in their jurisdiction and to adhere to them to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Additionally, knowing the potential consequences of driving convictions can help drivers make informed decisions and take steps to avoid violating traffic laws.
Here’s a breakdown of some examples of the types of convictions:
DUI, blood alcohol over .08
Speeding over 50 km above the posted limit, or stunt driving
Driving uninsured
Refusing a breathalyzer
Failing to remain at the site of an accident
Racing
Distracted driving or texting and driving
G1 driver driving unaccompanied
Fail to obey school crossing stop sign
Failure to report an accident
Improper passing of a school bus
Improper passing or speeding in a playground or school zone
Backing up – unsafe, illegal, improper
Brakes – none, inadequate, improper
Crowding driver’s seat
Door opening – illegal, obstructing traffic
Other moving offences – speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign
Driving recklessly
Traffic tickets can be costly, but they can also increase your rate. Compare quotes with us to ensure you're maximizing savings.
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The difference between a conviction and a ticket lies in their legal implications and stages within the legal process. In essence, a ticket is the initial notice of an alleged violation. At the same time, a conviction is the legal determination of guilt resulting from the ticket's resolution through payment or adjudication in court.
A ticket is a written notice that a law enforcement officer issues to someone who has violated traffic laws or regulations. It is an official notification that includes details such as the nature of the violation, the incident's date and time, and any applicable fines or penalties.
A conviction occurs when a person who has been issued a ticket or charged with an offence is found guilty through a legal process. This process typically involves either admitting guilt and paying the fine associated with the ticket or contesting the ticket in court and being found guilty after a trial. Convictions mean that the individual has been formally judged to have committed the offence and is legally responsible for the consequences, which may include fines, demerit points, license suspension, or other penalties depending on the severity of the offence and applicable laws.
The conviction date impacts your insurance, not the ticket date.
Almost all of us worry immediately about our policy when we get a ticket. But it isn’t the actual ticket that impacts your rate; it’s being convicted for a driving offence that does. Insurers care about the number and severity of drivers' driving convictions within three years. A ticket becomes a conviction when:
You pay the ticket: When you pay your ticket, you are pleading guilty to the offence.
You are convicted in court: You challenge the ticket in court and lose or get a reduced conviction.
You don’t pay the ticket or go to your trial: If you don’t pay your ticket within 15 days of getting the ticket or you don’t go to your trial a Justice of the Peace may convict you of the offence.
The effective date for the driving offence is the date you were “convicted” of the offence. So, the date you pay the ticket or the date you are convicted in court is the date used by insurance companies for the conviction.
Every insurance company has its own policies on how it rates driving convictions. Traffic tickets can impact your insurance rates, because the severity and number of convictions can raise red flags on your driving record.
Here are some general guidelines to help you understand the potential impact of convictions on your insurance premiums:
Serious or Criminal Convictions: You may be charged 100% or more for each serious or criminal conviction.
Major Convictions: You may be charged 25% more for each conviction.
Minor Convictions
1 Minor Conviction: Typically has no direct impact on your premium, but you may lose eligibility for a conviction-free discount.
2 Minor Convictions: Some insurers may charge 20% more after a second conviction.
Additional Minor Convictions: Some insurers may apply an additional 20% surcharge for each subsequent conviction.
If you have a minor conviction on your record, your insurer may increase your premium. However, you can protect yourself against this by getting a minor conviction protection endorsement , which will forgive your first minor conviction and help prevent your premium from increasing.
It's important to note that minor conviction protection is an optional add-on to your policy and may come with an additional cost. Any minor convictions received after the first forgiven conviction will still be considered by your insurer and could result in a higher premium.
Eligibility requirements for minor conviction protection vary by insurer. Speak with one of our brokers to learn more about the options available to you and determine whether this coverage is right for your needs.
If you are unsure of your driving record and the conviction dates, getting a driver’s abstract (also called a driver's history report) can be helpful. This will give you a good idea of what you might face when renewing your car insurance. When you get a quote, be honest about your tickets and convictions; this will help ensure your quote is accurate. Companies will run your reports and modify them based on your record.
If you have questions about driving convictions in Ontario and how they may affect your car insurance rates, connect with a BrokerLink Ontario insurance broker today. Our licensed insurance advisors can explain the differences between minor, major, and serious driving convictions, help you understand how convictions impact your premiums, and discuss coverage options that may help protect your insurance costs.
If you receive a ticket for speeding and are found guilty, you will have the conviction on your record for at least three years. There may be additional penalties and fines associated with the conviction.
A minor conviction is any offence that does not fall under a "major conviction" or a "criminal conviction." For instance, distracted driving, failing to report an accident, and speeding tickets are considered minor convictions. However, when a speeding ticket becomes a major conviction, the threshold may vary depending on the circumstances.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.