Do They Send Speeding Tickets in Toronto to Your House? – 13 Truths Every Driver Should Know

Getting a speeding ticket can be a stressful experience—especially when you weren’t even stopped by a police officer. In cities like Toronto, where automated traffic enforcement is on the rise, many drivers are surprised to find a ticket in their mailbox weeks after the incident. So, do they send speeding tickets in Toronto to your house? The short answer is yes—but the process is a bit more complex.

Let’s break down how Toronto’s system works, what to expect, and how to handle a ticket if it shows up at your doorstep.

Understanding Speeding Ticket Issuance in Toronto

Toronto uses a mix of traditional and modern methods to catch speeding drivers. Whether it’s a police officer with a radar gun or a roadside camera silently clicking away, both are legally authorized to issue tickets under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.

Manual vs Automated Enforcement

There are two main ways you might receive a speeding ticket in Toronto:

• Manual Enforcement: A police officer catches you speeding and issues a ticket on the spot.

• Automated Enforcement: A camera captures your speeding vehicle and sends the ticket by mail.

While both methods are valid, only automated enforcement tickets are mailed to your home.

What Is Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)?

Automated Speed Enforcement, or ASE, is a system that uses cameras to detect and photograph vehicles that are speeding in designated zones—mostly school and community safety zones.

Here’s what ASE does:

• Measures the vehicle’s speed using radar.

• Captures a photo of the license plate if you’re over the limit.

• Logs the time, date, and location.

Toronto has over 50 ASE cameras rotating between more than 150 locations, ensuring coverage across the city.

How Red-Light Cameras Issue Tickets

Red-light cameras function similarly but are focused on catching drivers who:

• Enter intersections after the light has turned red.

• Speed through intersections trying to “beat the yellow.”

If caught, a red-light ticket Toronto is mailed to the registered address of the vehicle’s owner.

Mailing Process for Speeding Tickets in Toronto

Once a violation is detected, the city begins the mailing process. Here’s what you need to know.

Timeline: How Long Before You Receive the Ticket?

Typically, a speeding ticket from a camera takes about:

• 7 to 30 days to arrive.

• Delays may occur due to weekends, holidays, or mailing backlogs.

If you don’t receive the ticket within 23 days from the incident, you still must respond once it arrives—Ontario law does not void it for delayed mailing.

Address Accuracy: Why It Matters

Your ticket will be mailed to the address listed on your vehicle registration. That’s why it’s crucial to:

• Update your address promptly with the Ministry of Transportation.

• Check your mail regularly if you’ve recently moved.

Who Receives the Ticket?

In automated enforcement, the vehicle owner is liable—not the driver.

This means:

• If you lend your car to someone and they get caught, you get the ticket.

• The ticket will not affect your driving record, but you’re still on the hook to pay.

Company-Owned Vehicles and Rental Cars

For business or rental vehicles:

• The ticket is sent to the registered company.

• They may identify the responsible driver or pass the fine to you.

Ticket Content and Legal Details

A mailed speeding ticket contains everything you need to understand the charge and respond.

Photos, Time, Location & Vehicle Info

Expect the following in your ticket envelope:

• Clear photo of your license plate.

• Date, time, and exact location of the incident.

• The recorded speed and posted limit.

• A fine amount and deadline for payment or contesting.

What to Do When You Receive a Ticket

Receiving a ticket doesn’t automatically mean you have to pay it—at least not right away.

How to Pay the Fine

You can pay:

• Online at the City of Toronto’s payment portal.

• In person at a provincial offences court.

• By mail using the enclosed payment slip.

How to Dispute the Ticket

Don’t agree with the charge? You can:

• Request a trial date.

• Appear before a justice of the peace.

• Hire a paralegal to assist you.

Note: You cannot dispute who was driving—it’s based on vehicle ownership only.

Consequences of Ignoring a Ticket

If you ignore the ticket:

• Late fees will be added.

• Your license plate renewal can be denied.

• The fine may go to collections.

How Tickets Affect Insurance and Driving Record

Good news: camera-issued speeding tickets do not add demerit points and generally don’t affect your insurance.

But unpaid fines can haunt you when renewing registration or applying for loans.

How to Prevent Getting Speeding Tickets

Here are tips to avoid those pesky tickets:

• Watch for ASE signs in school zones.

• Use navigation apps like Waze to warn of camera zones.

• Stick to posted speed limits—especially in 30 km/h areas.

Legal Resources and Where to Get Help

If you’re confused or need legal assistance:

• Contact Ontario Legal Aid.

• Use services like Ticket Defenders or OTT Legal.

• Visit Toronto’s official ASE page for more info.

Summary: What Every Driver Should Know

Yes, speeding tickets are sent to your house in Toronto—especially if captured by a camera. The ticket goes to the registered owner, arrives within weeks, and includes clear instructions on what to do next. Keeping your vehicle registration current and driving cautiously, especially in camera zones, will help you avoid unexpected fines.

FAQs About Speeding Tickets in Toronto

1. Do speeding tickets from cameras add points to my license?
No. Camera-issued tickets do not carry demerit points.

2. How can I check if I have a speeding ticket?
Use the City of Toronto’s online portal or contact a provincial offences court.

3. What happens if I ignore a mailed ticket?
You may face additional fees and be blocked from renewing your license plate.

4. Can I fight a speeding ticket issued by a camera?
Yes, but only under limited circumstances. Ownership is the main liability.

5. Are camera tickets reported to insurance companies?
No, they are not shared with insurers and don’t impact your premium.

6. How long do I have to pay or contest the ticket?
You typically have 15 days from the date of mailing to respond.