What is Careless Driving?
- Justice
- Equality
- Trust
Careless driving means driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for others.
Careless driving (Ontario Highway Traffic Act, s. 130) is treated as a major traffic charge because the penalties and insurance consequences can be severe, even for a first offence.
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Demerit points: 6 points on conviction.
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Ticket “set fine” (if issued as a ticket): $400 set fine (before mandatory add-ons like surcharges/costs).
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Court penalty range (on conviction): $400–$2,000; the court may also impose up to 6 months in jail and a licence suspension up to 2 years.
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If bodily harm or death is alleged: higher exposure, $2,000–$50,000 fine range, possible jail up to 2 years, and licence suspension up to 5 years.
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How long points stay: demerit points remain on your driving record for 2 years from the offence date.
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Why you should call: this charge can jeopardize your licence and driving record and often turns on evidence (disclosure, accident reconstruction, witness reliability). Getting representation early matters.
