The demerit point system
The demerit-point system encourages drivers to improve their behaviour and protects people from drivers who abuse the privilege of driving. Drivers convicted of driving-related offences have demerit points recorded on their records. Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the date of the offence. If you accumulate too many demerit points, your driver’s licence can be suspended.
New drivers – demerit-point system for Level One and Level Two drivers
Two or more points
You will receive a warning letter.
Six points
You will receive a second warning letter encouraging you to improve your driving behaviour.
Nine or more points
Your licence will be suspended for 60 days from the date you surrender it to the Ministry of Transportation. You can lose your licence for up to two years if you fail to surrender your licence. After the suspension, the number of points on your record will be reduced to four. Any extra points could again bring you to the interview level. If you reach nine points again, your licence may be suspended for six months.
As a Level One or Level Two driver, you will have your licence suspended if you accumulate nine or more demerit points during a two-year period.
Note: If you are a novice driver and are convicted of violating any novice condition, an offence that is associated with four or more demerit points or receive a court-ordered suspension for an offence that would have resulted in four or more demerit points, you will receive the appropriate penalty and Novice Driver Escalating Sanction licence suspension. However, the demerit points will be recorded as zero on your record, and will not be counted towards the accumulated demerit point system.
Fully licensed drivers – demerit-point system for fully licensed drivers
Six points
You will receive a warning letter recommending that you improve your driving skills.
Nine points
You will receive a second warning letter encouraging you to improve your driving behaviour.
15 points
Your licence will be suspended for 30 days from the date you hand over your licence to the Ministry of Transportation. You can lose your licence for up to two years if you fail to surrender it. After the suspension, the number of points on your driver’s record will be reduced to seven. Any extra points could again bring you to the interview level. If you reach 15 points again, your licence will be suspended for six months.