A traffic ticket with a fine is called an “Offence Notice”.
An offence notice gives the driver three options:
- pay the fine (not recommended)
- plead guilty with an explanation (not recommended)
- appear in court to have a meeting with the Prosecutor to reduce the charge (not recommended)
- plead not guilty to the charge
If the driver pleads guilty, or guilty with an explanation, all the judge is allowed to do is reduce the fine.
Where the driver meets with the Prosecutor, the prosecutor may reduce the charge, but:
- a conviction still goes to the insurance
- the driver loses any chance of having the charge dismissed
- the prosecution does not have to prove the charge
- officers do not have to appear in court
- witness do not have to appear in court
- there may still be demerit points attached to the ticket
- conviction goes on your driving record for three years
The best way to win your case to keep your driving and insurance record clear is to set a trial date and being represented by calling OTT Legal.
Traffic tickets with a court date are called a “Summons to Appear”
- usually issued for more serious traffic offences
- driver or their legal representative must appear in court or be subject to arrest
- driver may hire a legal representative, like OTT Legal to appear for them
A summons to appear in court for careless driving can have increased fines and penalties, including:
- jail up to two years
- licence suspensions up to five years
- fines between $2,000 and 50,000 for personal injury or death
In issuing a summons, the officer is saying to the court that the driver’s action is such that:
Read more about Summons to Appear in Court >>