While we all do our best to follow the rules of the road, sometimes even the most seasoned drivers find themselves on the other side of a traffic stop. The penalty for a driving infraction will range depending on the type of infraction, where it took place, and its severity. Most infractions are then added to your driving record once you’ve been convicted—either automatically by paying the ticket or by being found guilty in court.

When it comes time to apply for a car insurance policy or to renew your current policy, your insurance provider will review your driving record from the last three years to determine your level of risk. Having a driving infraction on your record increases your risk level, which typically means you can expect an increase in your rates. If your ticket coincides with an insurance claim, you could be looking at an increase even sooner.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common driving infractions and how they might affect your insurance premiums.
 

1. Speeding

With our busy schedules, it’s easy to see why speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic stops in Canada. Unfortunately, speeding is also one of the most common factors in collisions and should not be taken lightly.

A speeding ticket’s impact on your insurance rate will depend on how fast over the limit you were driving and how frequently you’re convicted. A one-time minor speeding ticket may result in a small increase, or no increase if you’re a safe driver with an otherwise clean driving record. However, for a major ticket (like stunt driving) or multiple traffic tickets, you’ll be looking at a much steeper increase.
 

2. Running a red light

Running a red light is very dangerous and could easily cause a collision with another vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian. That’s why this driving infraction is accompanied by a costly fine and possible demerit points.

A red-light ticket issued in person by an officer will stay on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction and will likely result in an increase in your premiums. However, a red-light ticket issued by a speed camera will not be added to your record because the camera can’t identify the person driving during the offence. This means your insurer won’t be notified and your rates may not be impacted.
 

3. Parking violation

Parking tickets are administered by the municipality in which you receive them and are not reported to the Ministry of Transportation. This means they are not added to your driving record and have no direct impact on your insurance rates.

However, unpaid parking tickets can prevent you from renewing your license plate. Being caught driving with an expired plate is a traffic offence accompanied by a fee and a potential increase to your insurance premium. If you do receive a parking ticket, pay it on time to avoid further penalty.
 

4. Hit and run

If you’re involved in a collision or hit a parked car, you must stay at the scene and follow the appropriate steps for reporting injuries or damage to the right professionals. If the damage is more than $2,000, Ontario law requires you to report the collision to the police.

Failure to remain at the scene (also known as a “hit and run”) is a serious offence under both the federal Criminal Code and the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. The penalty can include a costly fine, demerit points, license suspension, and even jail time. When it comes to your insurance rates, you can expect your premiums to increase significantly. Your insurer may also choose not to renew your policy or to cancel your policy altogether.

Remember, it pays to be a safe driver. In fact, if you have a clean driving record with no traffic violations within the last three years, you could be eligible for a discount on your car insurance premium.

If you’re shopping for car insurance, contact an OTIP broker at 1-833-615-9326 to get a free quote. Or, if you’re a current OTIP policyholder, call 1-833-494-0089 to inquire about your coverage options and eligible discounts.