Can You Fight Speed Camera Tickets in Ontario?

What is a Speed Camera Ticket?
Speed cameras are automated systems that detect vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit. These cameras capture clear images of the vehicle, its speed, and the exact time and location of the violation. Once the system detects a speeding vehicle, the registered owner of the vehicle is sent a ticket, which includes a photograph of the violation, along with other details such as the date, time, location, and the recorded speed.

Unlike traditional traffic stops, speed camera tickets do not involve direct interaction with law enforcement officers. The system operates automatically and follows strict calibration and certification processes to ensure that the images and data captured are accurate and reliable.

Speed cameras trigger when a vehicle exceeds the speed limit in the monitored area. There is no officer discretion, meaning even slight overspeeding will be recorded by the camera. While some municipalities may provide a small tolerance threshold, many do not. Therefore, any excess speed—no matter how minor—can result in a ticket.

Can You Fight a Speed Camera Ticket in Ontario?

Disputing a speed camera ticket in Ontario is possible, but it can be challenging. Since speed camera systems undergo regular testing and calibration to ensure their accuracy, and since law enforcement officers review the images before issuing a ticket, there is little room for error. However, there are some potential defenses.

If you decide to contest the ticket, the process will vary depending on your municipality. In some cases, you may be required to appear in court, while others may operate under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). This system eliminates the need for a court trial and instead offers a review process.

Court Hearing: If the case goes to court, you can request a trial or reach an early resolution with a prosecutor. Hiring a lawyer or traffic ticket expert may improve your chances, but success is not guaranteed.

AMPS System: Under the AMPS system, you request a review of the ticket instead of going to court. A screening officer or hearing officer will examine the case. This process is faster than going to court but offers fewer options for legal defenses.

Common reasons for disputing a speeding ticket in Ontario include:

• Incorrect Ticket Details: For example, an incorrect license plate number or a misspelled name.

• Unclear or Obstructed Photos: If the camera images are not clear or are obstructed in any way.

• Missing or Unclear Speed Limit Signs: If there were no visible speed limit signs where the violation occurred.

• Camera Malfunctions: While rare, technical issues with the camera system can sometimes cause inaccuracies.

Although it’s difficult to get a speed camera ticket fully dismissed, municipalities may be willing to reduce the fine or offer more time for payment.

What Are the Fines for Speed Camera Tickets?

The fine for a speed camera ticket in Ontario depends on how much you exceeded the posted speed limit. Ontario uses a per-kilometer fine structure:

In Community Safety Zones, fines are automatically doubled, meaning that every speed camera ticket in these zones is more expensive.

Does a Speed Camera Ticket Affect Insurance?

Speed camera tickets do not impact your insurance rates because they are issued to the vehicle owner, not the individual driver. Since these tickets are not added to your personal driving record, insurance companies will not see them when reviewing your history.

Unlike tickets issued by police officers, speeding tickets from speed cameras do not carry demerit points and do not indicate which individual was driving the vehicle. The fine is issued to the vehicle’s license plate, not to the driver. However, if you fail to pay the ticket, the province may prevent you from renewing your vehicle permit until the fine is paid.

The only exception is for commercial vehicle operators with a CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration). In such cases, violations can impact the company’s safety record, which may influence insurance rates and regulations.

Does a Speed Camera Ticket Carry Demerit Points?

Demerit points are not assigned for speed camera tickets in Ontario. Unlike traditional speeding tickets, which are issued by a police officer who identifies the driver, speed camera tickets only identify the vehicle, not the driver. Therefore, demerit points do not apply to these tickets.

This makes speed camera tickets different from tickets issued during a traditional traffic stop. While regular speeding tickets can affect your driving record and may lead to insurance rate increases, a speed camera ticket does not have these consequences.

For Commercial Vehicles (CVOR)

If a commercial vehicle is caught speeding by a speed camera, the violation is issued to the company or the registered owner of the vehicle. While demerit points are not assigned, these violations are tracked separately under the CVOR system. If a company receives multiple speed camera violations, it may face consequences such as a lower safety rating, increased regulatory scrutiny, or even operational restrictions.

Commercial vehicle operators must take speed camera tickets seriously, as too many violations can lead to higher insurance costs, audits, or suspension of operating privileges. The Ministry of Transportation closely monitors these records, so it is essential to address any violations promptly.

Final Thoughts on Speed Camera Tickets and Related Offenses

While disputing a speed camera ticket in Ontario is possible, it can be difficult to get it dismissed. It is essential to check the ticket for errors and review the details of your case. If you believe there are valid reasons to contest the ticket, you can either go to court or submit a request for a review under the AMPS system.

Speed camera tickets may not impact your driving record or insurance rates, but they can be costly and potentially have long-term effects on commercial vehicle operators. If you are unsure of how to proceed, consider consulting with a legal expert or traffic ticket specialist who can help guide you through the process.

For more details on fighting speed camera tickets or to discuss your case, feel free to contact us today.

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