Failing to Stop at a Red Light in Ontario
Failing to stop at a red light, also known as “running a red light,” is a violation of the Highway Traffic Act. According to the Act, every driver approaching a red traffic light must come to a complete stop and should not proceed until the light turns green. This requirement applies to all vehicles, and even when making a right turn (or a left turn on a one-way street), a full stop is necessary before proceeding. Failure to comply may result in receiving a ticket from a law enforcement officer.
Penalties for Failure to Stop at a Red Light
Failing to stop at a red light is a common offense in Canada and can be difficult to defend if caught. Police officers can issue tickets if they witness the violation, and red light cameras can also capture the offense, even if no one else is on the road.
The penalties for failing to stop at a red light in Ontario are:
- Three demerit points
- Pine from $200 to $1,000
- Possible increased insurance premiums
Understanding the severe consequences of running a red light in Ontario is crucial. Apart from legal repercussions, running a red light could lead to other consequences. If you get into an accident while uninsured, it may increase the chances of being considered a “high-risk” driver by insurance companies, which could result in the denial of insurance coverage. Not to mention, having a record of failing to stop at a red light can seriously impact your chances of securing government jobs such as in the police or military. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a clean driving record and drive safely to avoid any potential consequences.
How to Fight Failure to Stop in Ontario?
Hire a traffic lawyer or paralegal to represent you in court
*Remember, if you choose to simply pay the fine and not go to court, you are pleading guilty
It is highly recommended that you seek legal representation immediately if facing a failure to stop at a red light ticket. Having a lawyer represent you will significantly improve your chances of winning in court and avoid hefty penalties for driving without insurance. If you choose not to hire representation, you must be ready to go through the complicated process alone.
Why Hire a Traffic Lawyer?
As previously stated, hiring a traffic lawyer can improve your chances of winning in court if you have been caught failing to stop at a red light. And with a lawyer, you may not even need to attend court yourself. Fighting a red light ticket on your own is time-consuming and requires relevant knowledge and experience to achieve positive results in court. Therefore, working with a professional lawyer like MA Legal Service is highly recommended to avoid frustrating outcomes.
Red light
(18) Every driver approaching a traffic control signal showing a circular red indication and facing the indication shall stop his or her vehicle and shall not proceed until a green indication is shown. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 144 (18).
Where to Stop — Intersection
(5) A driver who is directed by a traffic control signal erected at an intersection to stop his or her vehicle shall stop,
(a) at the sign or roadway marking indicating where the stop is to be made;
(b) if there is no sign or marking, immediately before entering the nearest crosswalk; or
(c) if there is no sign, marking or crosswalk, immediately before entering the intersection. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 144 (5); 2006, c. 19, Sched. T, s. 6 (1).
Where to Stop — Non-Intersection
(6) A driver who is directed by a traffic control signal erected at a location other than at an intersection to stop his or her vehicle shall stop,
(a) at the sign or roadway marking indicating where the stop is to be made;
(b) if there is no sign or marking, immediately before entering the nearest crosswalk; or
(c) if there is no sign, marking or crosswalk, not less than five metres before the nearest traffic control signal. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 144 (6); 2006, c. 19, Sched. T, s. 6 (2).
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MA Legal Service fights No Insurance Charges, Careless Driving Charges, Driving Under Suspension Charges and a wide variety of driving offences in Alliston,Barrie, Bracebridge and Parry Sound, Burlington, Durham Region, Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge, London, Niagara, New York State, Owen Sound, Mississauga, Brampton, Timmins, Toronto, Sudbury, Newmarket, Orangeville & Caledon, Ottawa, Woodstock & Oxford County. This website and its information is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be. Please consult a legal services provider (Lawyer or Paralegal) for advice about your individual situation. Please contact us by electronic mail, telephone or in person. Contacting us through this website does not create a lawyer/paralegal-client relationship. Until a Lawyer or Paralegal-client relationship is established, please withhold from sending any confidential information to us.
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