How much does it cost to reinstate a licence in Ontario?
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation charges a $281 licence reinstatement fee. For impaired driving convictions, you must also complete a Back On Track program ($634) and may need to install an ignition interlock device ($100–$150/month), making the total reinstatement cost $1,000–$3,000 or more.
How long is a licence suspension for demerit points in Canada?
In Ontario, accumulating 9–14 demerit points results in a warning letter. At 15+ points, your licence is suspended for 30 days (new/novice drivers have lower thresholds: 6 points for suspension). Suspension lengths and demerit thresholds vary by province.
Can I drive with a suspended licence in Canada?
No — driving with a suspended licence is a serious criminal offence under provincial highway traffic acts. Penalties include further fines ($1,000–$5,000), additional suspension periods, and possible vehicle impoundment. Some provinces allow a court to impose jail time for repeat offenders.
How does a licence suspension affect my car insurance?
A licence suspension is a major red flag for insurers. Depending on the reason, you may see premium increases of 25–150% or policy cancellation, forcing you into the high-risk (Facility) insurance market. Impaired driving convictions can affect premiums for up to 6 years.
How do I get my licence back after suspension in Canada?
The steps vary by reason for suspension. Generally: serve the full suspension period, pay all outstanding fines, pay the reinstatement fee, and satisfy any program requirements (e.g., Back On Track for impaired driving, ignition interlock). Contact your provincial licensing authority for the specific requirements in your case.