Traffic convictions generally remain on Ontario’s three-year driver record for three years from the conviction date. The period an insurer considers depends on its approved rules.
How to Check If You Have Traffic Tickets Online in Ontario
You can check the status of your traffic tickets online through the official traffic-ticket checker provided by the Ontario government.
You cannot use the service to check parking tickets, cases under appeal, cases with publication bans, charges involving anyone under 16 or criminal matters.
Here’s how to use the traffic-ticket checker:
Have the location code and offence number (printed on your ticket) ready. If you have received a summons, you should use the case number shown on it. You can also contact the court office listed on the document in case you have questions.
Additionally, you should navigate the Provincial Offences Act online services page and read the terms of use.
Enter the ICON location, offence number and last name or business name.
Follow the on-screen instructions to view the ticket’s status.
How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Ontario
Ontario traffic-ticket holders generally have 15 days to respond to an offence notice. If you do not respond, the court may enter a conviction in your absence and add further costs.
If you intend to dispute your ticket, notify the court within the time shown on it. If early resolution is available, you can meet with the prosecutor to discuss a possible resolution without a trial.
A prosecutor may be able to amend or resolve the charge. If you can’t agree with the prosecutor, you’ll need to go to trial.
Before heading to court, prepare your case. Request disclosure and gather supporting documents, evidence and witness statements.
If found not guilty, your case is dismissed. If found guilty, you’ll be required to pay the fines and penalties.
A summons is different from an offence notice. You or your representative must attend court at the time and place shown on the summons.
Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date. Traffic convictions generally remain on Ontario’s three-year driver record for three years from the conviction date. The period an insurer considers depends on its approved rules.
Read More: How Demerit Points Work in Ontario
Should You Hire a Paralegal?
You can be represented in Provincial Offences court by a paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario.
Fees can vary by the law firm and by how far your case goes. Ask what services you'll be receiving and if you can get a flat rate.
How Do Traffic Tickets Affect Car Insurance Rates in Ontario?
Getting a traffic-ticket conviction can have an impact on your auto insurance premium. The effect depends on the severity of the conviction, your driving record and the insurer.
According to MyChoice’s database of Ontario quotes from 2020 to 2025, quotes for drivers with one ticket were 16.5% higher on average than those for clean-record drivers. Quotes for drivers with two tickets were 55.8% higher, while those for drivers with three tickets were 80.2% higher.
| Number of tickets | Average difference in Ontario car insurance quotes |
|---|---|
| 1 ticket | 16.5% |
| 2 tickets | 55.8% |
| 3 tickets | 80.2% |
Source: MyChoice Quote Database, 2020–2025. These figures compare quotes and do not guarantee that an individual driver’s premium will increase by the same amount.