Demerit points are added to your driver’s license, 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 license. 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 license. 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 license, if you have: 2 to 8 points: You will be sent a warning letter. 9 to 14 points: Your license 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 license should not be suspended.
You will get a letter to notify you of the time, ate and location of the meeting. If you do not attend, your license could be suspended. 15+ points: Your license will be suspended for 30 days. When your license 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 license. If you do not surrender your license, you can lose your license for up to two years.
Penalties for demerit points: new drivers You are considered a novice – or new – driver if you have a GIG, GO, MI, MM, Ml- L or MM-L license. As a new driver, you face different consequences for adding demerit points. As a new driver, if you have: 2 to 5 points: 6 to 8 points: suspended. 9 or more points: Your license will be suspended for 60 days. Your license for up to two years. What is impaired driving? Impaired driving means operating a vehicle (including cars, trucks, boats, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is a crime under the Criminal Code of Canada and the consequences are serious. You may: lose your license eve your vehicle impounded need to pay an administrative monetary penalty need to attend an education or treatment program be fined upon conviction be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle spend time in jail Drinking and driving Even one drink can reduce your ability to react to things that happen suddenly while you are driving.
The effects of alcohol include blurred or double vision, impaired attention and slowed reflexes. Your life and the lives of others can change forever if you drive after drinking alcohol. Drug impaired driving Drugs can also impair your ability to drive. This is true for both illegal drugs and prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Tips to avoid impaired driving There are simple steps you can take to avoid driving while you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol: make sure you have a plan to get home safely ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects related to driving when using prescription medication read the information on the package of any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicine, including allergy and cold remedies ask our doctor or pharmacist about how a prescription drug could affect you- drugs and alcohol together can impair your driving even more than either one alone Remember, fatigue and stress will also affect your ability to drive safely.
