New Guide: Contesting a Traffic Ticket

Penal Law

Why a guide?

Each of our articles deals with a specific question: the pacing technique, the mistaken-object defence, negotiating a plea under section 310 or police stops. What was missing was an overview for the person who has just received a ticket and simply wonders where to start. That is what this guide is for.

Paying the fine amounts to pleading guilty: the demerit points are immediately entered on your driving record. You have 30 days to respond to the ticket.

What the guide covers

• How to read your statement of offence and spot what matters: the provision invoked, the location, the speed measured, the amount claimed.
• A table of the most common offences, from speeding to red lights, with the demerit points attached to each.
• How demerit points work and the licence revocation thresholds by age and type of licence.
• The steps of a contestation: plea of not guilty, disclosure of the evidence, notice of hearing and trial.
• The recognized defences for each type of offence, and negotiating with the prosecutor.
• Frequently asked questions: photo radar, contesting after payment, appearing in court, the cost of a contestation.

For each topic, the guide links to our more detailed articles and to the relevant case law.

A free information session with Me Alexandre Lacroix

Have you received a traffic ticket? Before paying, have your file assessed. Me Alexandre Lacroix offers a free, no-obligation information session to evaluate the prosecutor’s evidence and the options available to you.

The content of this post is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique — consult a legal professional for advice tailored to your case.