The question of whether speeding tickets go on your criminal record is a common concern for individuals who have been issued such tickets. In this article, we will explore this question and provide insights into why speeding tickets are not considered criminal offenses. The simple answer is no; speeding tickets do not go on your criminal record. Speeding offenses are categorized as minor offenses under the jurisdiction of the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario.  Unlike criminal offenses, which involve more serious legal implications, speeding tickets are considered infractions that fall within the realm of traffic law.

Why Speeding Tickets Don’t Go on Your Criminal Record:

Not Criminal Offenses:

• Speeding tickets are classified as traffic violations rather than criminal offenses. They are governed by specific traffic laws and regulations rather than criminal law codes.

Regulated by Traffic Laws:

• The penalties associated with speeding tickets, such as fines, license suspensions, and demerit points, are determined by traffic laws. These penalties are designed to address road safety concerns rather than criminal behavior.

Highway Traffic Act of Ontario:

• Speeding offenses fall under the purview of the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario, which outlines the rules and regulations related to road safety. This legal framework separates traffic violations from criminal offenses.

Non-Impact on Border Crossings:

• Unlike criminal offenses, speeding tickets typically do not affect your ability to cross borders. Whether you are traveling internationally or domestically, a speeding ticket is not viewed as a criminal record and will not hinder your border-crossing activities.

Insurance and Employment Implications:

• While speeding tickets do not go on your criminal record, they may impact your insurance rates and certain employment opportunities, especially those involving driving responsibilities. Renewing insurance or securing a job that requires driving may be affected by a history of speeding offenses.

It is crucial to understand that speeding tickets are not treated as criminal offenses and, therefore, do not go on your criminal record. They are considered minor infractions regulated by traffic laws, with consequences focused on road safety.  While speeding tickets may have implications for insurance and certain employment opportunities, they do not carry the same weight as criminal charges. If you have concerns about a speeding ticket, seeking legal advice can provide clarity on your specific situation. Contact OTD Legal for a free consultation today.

Video Transcription:

Do speeding tickets go on your criminal record? I’ve been asked this from time to time throughout my career. The answer first is no, they do not. The why, the reason they do not go on your criminal record is because these are not criminal offenses. These are considered to be minor offenses. They are generated from the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. And they have penalties such as fines and they have suspensions and demerit points, but they are most certainly not considered a criminal record. They’re not gonna affect you if you’re crossing the border. They’re not going to be a problem in that sense at all. They could be a problem if you’re renewing your insurance or if you have a perspective employment that involves driving. But the answer is no. You do not have to worry about a speeding offense being a criminal offense.