The Long-Term Effects Of A Careless Driving Ticket In Ontario

A Careless Driving conviction has a serious impact on your insurance rates and long-term record. This is why it’s important to understand the ramifications before deciding whether to fight or pay your Careless Driving ticket in Ontario. A careless driving charge stays on your record for 3 years and can significantly increase your insurance costs depending on your record, previous offences, age and insurer. Learn how Ticket Shield can help you fight your ticket.

What Is Careless Driving?

Careless driving is one of the most common and serious charges under the Highway Traffic Act. It is often related to an accident but it can also include driving behaviours without an obvious cause like speeding or aggressive lane changes. Careless driving is different from reckless driving, however, as reckless implies malice or willful disregard for the safety of others.

Carelessly driving is a blanket offence and it is therefore difficult for police to define and quantify. In fact, this is why many police officers will use it as a catch-all charge when they are unsure what other offence was committed.

It is important for drivers to understand that a conviction of careless driving will result in a large increase in their insurance rates. It will stay on their record for 3 years and most insurers see this offence as high-risk behaviour. If you’re ticketed for careless driving it is recommended that you contact a professional traffic lawyer to fight your ticket.

Do I Have To Pay A Fine?

Careless driving is one of the most common traffic offences in Ontario. It is defined as operating a vehicle on a highway without due care and attention or consideration for other persons using the roadway. The wording of this charge is very broad and therefore many offences could be deemed to fall within this category. Careless driving offences are often considered serious and insurance companies will increase your rates when you are found guilty by a Court of Law. This increase typically lasts for three years while the ticket is on your record.

The best thing to do is fight the ticket by filing your response with the court within 15 days and attending on your trial date prepared to argue against your conviction. If you do this, the ticket will not be recorded on your record, and you can avoid a significant insurance rate increase. Contact a professional Ticket Defender for help fighting your careless driving ticket ontario.

What Happens If I’m Convicted?

Being charged with Careless Driving is a serious offence with a number of long-term effects. It’s important that you remain calm and seek out professional help that will assist in preparing your defence.

A careless driving conviction in Ontario can result in fines, 6 demerit points, driver’s licence suspension (up to 2 years), and even jail time in severe cases. It also leads to a significant increase in insurance rates as insurance companies consider it to be a high-risk offence.

If you decide to fight your ticket, it’s best to start by gathering evidence and requesting disclosure or the officer’s notes. Next, attend your trial date prepared to present a strong case on why you should be found not guilty. It’s important that you avoid discussing the incident with anyone except your lawyer, as this can be used against you in court. Your defence team will work to have the charges dropped or reduced. Having a strong legal defence can help you save money in the long run, as well as keep your record clean.

How Much Does Careless Driving Increase My Insurance?

A careless driving conviction is a serious offence that carries significant penalties and long-term impacts. Depending on how it is handled, a driver could face hefty fines, licence suspension, jail time and major insurance ramifications.

Generally speaking, a careless driving conviction will result in a large increase in your insurance rates. However, the exact amount depends on your age and record, as well as the insurance company’s policies. Younger drivers typically see higher increases in their rates than older ones. In addition, some insurers may cancel a policy or refuse to renew it when the conviction appears on your record.

Fortunately, you can avoid an immediate rate increase by fighting your ticket in court. A professional legal service provider can help you prepare a solid defence to your careless driving charge. This can significantly improve your chances of a favourable outcome. In addition, it can help you save on your insurance costs in the long run.

Wrapping It Up

The types of careless driving tickets ontario you’ll receive depend on the severity of the incident. Generally, you can expect higher fines and penalties when bodily harm or death results. While not a criminal charge, careless driving convictions stay on your record and can cause significant increases to insurance premiums. It’s worth considering your options to fight a careless driving ticket.