Traffic tickets in Ontario may seem minor, but ignoring them can have serious and lasting consequences. Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and Provincial Offences Act (POA), there are strict timelines and processes in place.

Failing to act can result in default convictions, increased fines, and even a licence suspension. Below is a clear breakdown of what happens, your rights, and how to protect yourself.

1. Responding to a Traffic Ticket

When you receive a ticket, you typically have 15 days from the issue date to respond.

Your options include:

• Paying voluntarily – This is a guilty plea with immediate payment.
• Pleading guilty with explanation – You admit guilt but provide context to a Justice of the Peace, which may reduce the penalty.
• Requesting a trial – You contest the charge and set a court date.

📖 Ontario Court of Justice – Provincial Offences Guide

Important:
If you miss the 15-day window, you do not automatically lose all rights. However, your options become more limited, and you may need to apply to reopen the case by showing a valid reason for the delay.

2. What Happens If You Ignore a Ticket

Failing to respond or pay by the deadline triggers a series of steps.

Default Conviction
The court enters a default conviction, treating it as if you were found guilty in court.
📖 Provincial Offences Act, Section 9

Additional Costs and Late Fees
Late fees and administrative collection charges may be added to the original fine.
📖 Toronto Court Services – Defaulted Tickets

Licence Suspension
If fines remain unpaid, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) can suspend your licence. Driving while suspended is a separate, serious offence with harsher penalties.
📖 MTO – Driving Under Suspension

Demerit Points
If the original offence carries demerit points, they are added to your record once the default conviction is processed. Too many points can result in a further suspension.
📖 Ontario Demerit Point System

Insurance Impact
Insurance companies regularly check your record. A conviction, even by default, can raise your premiums for three to five years, depending on the severity of the offence.

3. Long-Term Implications

Ignoring a ticket affects more than just fines. Convictions stay on your record for several years and can hurt job opportunities involving driving. Unpaid fines may be referred to collections, though not all municipalities report them to credit agencies. You also won’t be able to renew your licence or vehicle permit until all fines are cleared.

4. Setting Aside a Default Conviction

If you missed the response deadline or didn’t receive proper notice, you can apply to reopen the case. You’ll need to explain why you didn’t respond and provide supporting evidence. Acting quickly is key, as delays make it harder to succeed.
📖 Ontario Court of Justice – Reopening a Case

5. Why Acting Quickly Matters

The system is automated and deadlines are strict. Taking action early allows you to protect your driving record, avoid extra costs, prevent licence suspension, and keep your insurance rates from climbing.

6. How a Licensed Paralegal Can Help

A licensed paralegal can review your ticket for errors, request disclosure of evidence, represent you in court, and file to reopen a case if you’ve been convicted by default.
📖 Law Society of Ontario – Find a Paralegal or you can call Tim Ellis at MTS Paralegal Services

Stages and Consequences

Final Takeaway

Ignoring a traffic ticket doesn’t make it disappear — it makes things worse.

From higher fines to insurance hikes and licence suspensions, the costs grow over time. Respond promptly, know your rights, and seek legal help if needed to keep the situation from escalating.

Why Contact Tim at MTS Paralegal Services

Ignoring a traffic ticket in Ontario can lead to costly and long-lasting legal consequences. From increased fines to licence suspensions and higher insurance premiums, the risks of inaction far exceed the effort of responding appropriately. Tim at MTS Paralegal Services, located at 15 Schneider Ave, A2 Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1K7, provides professional assistance in navigating these matters. With extensive knowledge of Ontario traffic law and courtroom procedure, Tim at MTS is equipped to defend against traffic charges and to pursue remedies where default convictions have occurred.

To learn more or to obtain representation, contact MTS Paralegal Services at (226) 444-4882 or visit mtsparalegalservices.com.