Careless Driving
The rules for careless driving have evolved over the past few years. Defined under the Highway Traffic Act, this offence occurs when a driver operates a vehicle without reasonable care or attention to others on the road.
Examples include:
- Speeding excessively
- Failing to notice pedestrians or cyclists
- Using your phone while driving
- Distracted or aggressive driving
A conviction for careless driving can have serious, long-term effects on your license, insurance, and criminal record.
Penalties for Careless Driving
If convicted, you may face:
- A fine between $400 and $2,000
- Six demerit points on your driver’s license
- License suspension for up to two years
- Imprisonment up to six months (may include both fine and jail term)
Even if you believe your mistake was minor, the consequences can affect your record for years — which is why consulting a traffic ticket lawyer near you is crucial.
Careless Driving Causing Bodily Harm or Death
As of September 1, 2018, a new offence was added under the Highway Traffic Act for cases where careless driving leads to bodily harm or death.
Penalties include:
- Fine between $2,000 and $50,000
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- Six demerit points
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- License suspension up to five years
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- Imprisonment up to two years
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This is a serious charge requiring immediate legal assistance from an experienced attorney for traffic tickets near you.
Dangerous Driving
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, dangerous driving refers to operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers the public.
Penalties include:
- License suspension (minimum one year)
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- Fines and/or imprisonment
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Criminal Negligence
A driver may also be charged with criminal negligence if their actions show a reckless disregard for the safety of others. This is a criminal offence that can result in permanent record implications and even jail time.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Traffic Ticket?
Yes — having a traffic ticket expert or attorney represent you can significantly increase your chances of reducing or dismissing charges. Skilled lawyers can:
- Challenge the officer’s evidence
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- Reduce fines or points
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- Protect your driving record and insurance
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- Represent you in court if necessary
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Don’t face traffic charges alone — contact Juzkiw Law at (416) 221-2221 for help from experienced traffic ticket lawyers near you.
FAQs for Traffic Tickets
Any act of driving without reasonable care or attention — such as texting, speeding, or ignoring pedestrians — can result in a careless driving charge.
Careless driving falls under the Highway Traffic Act, while dangerous driving is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Yes. With the help of a traffic ticket lawyer near you, you can challenge evidence and potentially have your charge reduced or dismissed.
While not required, having an attorney for traffic tickets can prevent serious long-term penalties like license suspension or high insurance rates.
A traffic ticket expert can review your case, identify procedural errors, and represent you in court for the best possible outcome.
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