Toronto - Speeding Tickets and Insurance

Hi All, I was wondering if anyone has any insight as to what impact a speeding ticket has on insurance premiums in Ontario. I was issued one yesterday for doing 65 in a 50 zone. I honestly think that the policeman radared the riced-out civic that was blowing by me, but the officer thinks otherwise. The ticket was for 55 dollars or so, and I was going to pay (thinking that since no demerits were involved, there would be no impact on my insurance premiums), when a buddy of mine told me that demerits are irrelevant and that insurers in Ontario only care about the "number of convictions" and that therefore, my "15km over" ticket is the same as someone who got "40km over" in the eyes of the insurer. A couple of people have advised me to fight it, but it seems like a fairly large hassle, but then again, if my rates are going to rise by $100-$200 for each of the next 2-3 years, I am more inclined to at least get a chance to say my part in Court. Anyone have any insights? Thanks, MT

Don't pay the ticket. Plead not guilty. Have a friend of yours show up for the court date, and say that you couldn't make it and have them reschedule. If the cop isn't there, they'll just dismiss it. I have done this MANY times in Toronto, and I guarantee you that you will get off if you do it right. It's not that much of a hassle. Issuing a ticket for 65 in a 50 is just ridiculous isn't it?

Yea since when do they give tickets for 65 in a 50 thats just rubbish...

Thanks, guys! Yeah, it's totally rubbish (especially given that the civic behind me was driving like a complete *** and was actually moving to pass me as I was getting pulled over). For anyone in the T.O. area, if you are driving into the downtown core and exiting richmond, they nail you right as you are getting off the highway and get onto richmond (i.e. when it moves from 90 km/h to 50 km/h in a very short distance).

T.O giving out tickets for speeding by 15kmh., that's news to me,...from what I've known from ~5yrs. ago, those ex-cops/lawyers should take care of this with no trouble at all, you may even recieve a letter of apology for you inconvenience. But. here in ohio you'll be dragged through the court system for months,...robbers can get away easier than speeders in this town. Yeah, I am bitter...

Paul, what's the strategy here... if the cop isn't there and you ask for an adjournment my experience tells me they will adjourn it... or is your to get your friend to check for the cop and if he is present ask for an adjournement and if he is not present go ahead and represent you... ? thx Peter

depends on your insurance company... 16-29 over is 3 demerit points... so your 15 won't take any points away... however... insurance companies usually let you get away with one or two minor tickets before increasing your insurance... if you get another minor or major your insurance may go up... I would try to get it dismissed and save your "free pass" for your future speeding tickets where it can really make a difference again you... do whatever you can to get this off your record. just pmed you... Peter

Actually, yes, sort of. What I do is plead not guilty first of all. Then, when you receive your notice with your court date, you need to make a request to have that date CHANGED. Sometimes this involves a trip to the justice of the peace, and it can be a hassle, but you just tell them that you're planning to be out of town/country and would like the date postponed. They will give you another date. If possible, a couple weeks BEFORE that new court date, try to change it again. Either way, when the day finally arrives, have a friend 'represent' you. If the cop doesn't show up, they'll dismiss it. If the cop DOES show up, the prosecutor will come and speak with you before the trial to see what it is you intend to do (check your evidence etc). If the prosecutore doesn't come and speak to you, it usually means that the cop isn't there and it will be dismissed. If and when the prosecutor comes and asks your friend what he intends to do, he tells them that he is there on your behalf because you were unable to make it, and that you are asking for permission to postpone (write out a letter explaining why you couldn't make it, sign it, and have your friend bring it). Basically, get your friend to keep doing this until they either say TOO BAD, GUILTY or the cop doesn't show. I have gotten out of about 5 tickets in the last 7 years this way (in Toronto). Note that these tactics only work in Toronto. I'm slowly figuring out a system for Los Angeles, but it's not as fool-proof here.

Not to nit-pick, but you don't get points 'taken away'. They are demerit points, and they accumulate. You start off with none. At nine, you may be called in for an interview. At fifteen, you lose your license. They expire from your record after 3 years (I think) although insurance companies get to see them for a bit longer.

I have had luck playing hardball with the DA in Huber Heights. They reduced the ticket to a non-moving violation, which does not impact insurance. That is a route that you might take, but I don't know your laws. Good luck,

If you don't fight this one, later-on if your luck isn't so good and you have a few tickets you will really really whish that you had fought the first one. My insurance company asked me to sign a paper saying that if my wife drives my car my insurance would be cancelled after she had one too many tickets. I think wether you had points or not doesn't matter to the insurace Cos...assume the worse.