What happens when you fight a traffic ticket in Canada?
You have three options: pay the fine (guilty), dispute (request a trial), or request early resolution. At a trial, the officer must appear and prove the offence. If the officer does not attend, the charge is usually dismissed. A paralegal or lawyer can negotiate a reduced charge or lesser fine at the resolution meeting.
What are the odds of winning a traffic ticket dispute in Ontario?
Statistics vary, but experienced traffic paralegals report success rates (dismissal or significant reduction) of 60–80% for contested tickets. The most common victories come from officers not appearing at trial (~20–30% of cases) or procedural errors on the ticket itself. Contested trials where the officer attends are harder to win without legal representation.
How long does a traffic ticket stay on your record in Canada?
Convictions typically remain on your driving record (Motor Vehicle Record) for 3 years in most provinces. Insurance companies may look back further (3–6 years) when calculating premiums. After 3 years, the conviction no longer affects your demerit point count and generally stops affecting standard insurance rates.