Careless Driving Defence in Ontario

Avoid Licence Suspension • Reduce Penalties • Protect Your Record


Act Fast — Careless Driving Is a Serious Offence


In Ontario, careless driving is defined under Highway Traffic Act s.130 as driving without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other road users.


A conviction is one of the most serious traffic offences you can face and may result in:

  • Fines up to $2,000
  • 6 demerit points
  • Licence suspension of up to 2 years
  • Major insurance rate increases
  • In severe cases, jail time


Our licensed Ontario paralegals have defended hundreds of careless driving cases — helping drivers across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Waterloo, and all of Ontario reduce penalties, protect their licence, and often have charges withdrawn entirely.

 

A uniformed Ontario police officer speaks to a driver during a roadside traffic stop, illustrating the seriousness of careless driving charges and the potential legal consequences.

Ontario Penalties for Careless Driving

(Highway Traffic Act, s.130)


If convicted of careless driving in Ontario, you could face:



  • Fines from $400 – $2,000
  • 6 demerit points
  • Possible licence suspension (up to 2 years)
  • Up to 6 months in jail (serious cases)
  • Long-term insurance impacts — some insurers may even refuse coverage


How We Defend Careless Driving Charges


When you hire Cordaie Paralegal Services, we:



  • Review disclosure for legal and procedural errors
  • Identify weaknesses in the officer’s evidence
  • Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced or withdrawn charges
  • Represent you in court so you don’t have to appear


Our goal: protect your record, your licence, and your future.

Two professional paralegals in an Ontario office reviewing legal documents for a client’s careless driving defence case.
Ontario paralegal shaking hands with a satisfied client in a modern office, symbolizing successful defence against careless driving charges.

Why Drivers Choose

Cordaie Paralegal Services

  • Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
  • Over 6 years’ experience defending serious traffic charges
  • Transparent flat-rate pricing — no surprises
  • Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Waterloo, and across Ontario
  • A strong track record of successful defences

Client Success Story


★★★★★

"I honestly did not have any trust in paralegals and felt they only cared about fees, but Damian went beyond what I would expect. He was able to get my traffic ticket dismissed — something other paralegals told me wasn’t possible. Everything went smoothly, all promises were kept, and the communication was excellent. I’ll be going back to him for all my legal needs."


— Matt K., Verified Google Reviews

Smiling Ontario driver standing confidently beside his car after successfully fighting a careless driving charge with Cordaie Paralegal Services.

Get Help Now — Before It’s Too Late


Deadlines for traffic tickets are tight — in many cases, you have only 15 days to respond. Don’t risk fines, demerit points, or suspension.



FAQs About Fighting Careless Driving in Ontario

  • 1. Will I lose my licence if convicted of careless driving?

    Yes, it’s possible. A careless driving conviction can result in up to 2 years of licence suspension, depending on the severity of the incident. 


    Many drivers also face major insurance consequences.

  • 2. Is careless driving a criminal offence in Ontario?

    No. Careless driving is not a criminal offence. It is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act


    However, it is treated very seriously in court and by insurance companies.

  • 3. Can careless driving be reduced to a lesser offence?

    Yes. With the right legal defence, many careless driving charges are successfully reduced to lesser offences, such as “driving without due attention.” 


    These carry lower fines, fewer or no demerit points, and less impact on insurance.

  • 4. How many demerit points is careless driving in Ontario?

    A careless driving conviction carries 6 demerit points in Ontario. These stay on your driving record for at least 2 years and can significantly affect your insurance rates.

  • 5. A careless driving conviction carries 6 demerit points in Ontario. These stay on your driving record for at least 2 years and can significantly affect your insurance rates.

    Penalties can include:


    • Fines from $400 to $2,000
    • 6 demerit points
    • Licence suspension of up to 2 years
    • Up to 6 months in jail for serious cases

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