Demerit Points in Canada: What Every Driver Should Know in 2025
You’ve worked hard to earn your Canadian driver’s license—whether it's a G2, Class 5, or provincial equivalent. But did you know that certain driving mistakes can not only cost you money, but also put your license at risk through the demerit point system? Each province and territory in Canada uses demerit points to track unsafe driving behavior. Accumulate too many, and you could face license suspensions, higher insurance rates, or mandatory driver improvement programs. In this blog, we’ll break down how demerit points work, what infractions trigger them, and how to keep your record clean as a responsible driver in 2025.
1. What Are Demerit Points?
Demerit points are penalties added to your driving record for breaking traffic laws. They serve as a warning system to encourage safe driving. While the number of points varies by province, the purpose remains the same across Canada: to hold drivers accountable and discourage repeat offenses.
If you're preparing for your driving test, make sure you understand how demerit points work using resources like licenseprep.ca to avoid costly mistakes once you’re on the road.
2. Common Offenses That Result in Demerit Points
Here are typical traffic violations and their associated demerit points (based on Ontario and similar systems):
Speeding (16–29 km/h over limit): 3 points
Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign: 3 points
Using a phone while driving: 3 points
Improper lane changes: 2–3 points
Failing to yield to pedestrians: 4 points
Racing or stunt driving: 6 points
Careless driving: 6 points
The more serious the offense, the higher the point penalty.
3. Demerit Point Limits by License Type
Different rules apply depending on your license class:
New Drivers (G1, G2, Class 7, etc.)
9 points: possible suspension
15 points: automatic suspension
15 points: license suspension
The thresholds may vary slightly by province, but the takeaway is clear: new drivers have less room for error.
4. What Happens When You Accumulate Too Many Demerit Points?
Once you cross a certain threshold, the consequences can include:
Mandatory driving courses (at your cost)
Insurance hikes that can last for years
Even if you don’t reach the suspension point, insurers can view demerit points as a red flag, increasing your premiums.
5. How to Remove or Reduce Demerit Points
Demerit points don’t last forever. In most provinces:
Points expire after 2 years from the date of the offense.
You can’t “erase” them instantly, but you can take an approved defensive driving course to show improvement (which may help with insurance or court leniency).
Drive safely and avoid new infractions to let old points fall off naturally.
6. How Demerit Points Affect Your License Exam Process
If you’re working toward your full license (e.g., G2 to G in Ontario), having recent violations and demerit points on record could:
Delay your eligibility to book the test
Lead to a fail if unsafe habits are shown during the road exam
Require re-taking the exam or completing remedial training
This is why it’s so important to build safe driving habits from the beginning—not just for passing the test, but for your long-term driving record.
Learn the Rules with licenseprep.ca
Demerit points stem from rule violations—so study Canadian road rules and traffic signs using licenseprep.ca to avoid mistakes that could cost you your license or delay your progress.
Understanding demerit points isn’t just for people who’ve already made a mistake—it’s essential knowledge for anyone with a Canadian license or preparing to get one. Whether you’re a new driver aiming for your first road test or a full-license holder with years behind the wheel, your record matters. Avoid distractions, drive safely, and take the rules seriously—your license, finances, and even safety depend on it.
