Fight Your Guelph Speeding Ticket

Just like many other cities in Ontario, traffic tickets are a regular occurrence in Guelph. Speeding, in particular, is among the most prevalent offences, and it can result in significant repercussions for your driving record and insurance premiums.

Whether you’re looking to prevent a conviction or initiate an appeal, OTD Legal is your partner in mounting an effective Guelph traffic ticket defence.

The Definition of Speeding According to the Highway Traffic Act

As outlined by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA), speeding is defined as going above the posted speed limit on a given road. The speed limit is meant to uphold the safety of all road users. There are degrees of speeding, as well as cases where excessive speeding progresses into more severe violations:

Stunt Driving

Going over the speed limit by 40 km/hr in areas with limits of less than 80 km/hr, exceeding by 50 km/hr in zones with limits of 80 km/hr or more, or operating a motor vehicle at speeds of 150 km/hr or more, can lead to stunt driving charges. This offence is often penalized with the immediate suspension of your driver’s license, the impoundment of your vehicle, and significant fines. If you’ve received a stunt driving ticket, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Careless Driving

Speeding can also qualify as careless driving when it involves operating a vehicle without the appropriate care and attention for the safety of fellow road users. Penalties for careless driving can include fines, license suspension and potential imprisonment. If you’ve been served with a careless driving ticket in Guelph, remember that OTD is here to help.

The Consequences of Speeding

Depending on the seriousness of the violation, speeding infractions can have a range of consequences.

Fines

Fines for speeding tickets are contingent on the degree of your speed limit breach. The fine structure spans from $2.50 per km/h for minor infractions (1-19 km/h over the limit) to over $9.75 per km/h for instances of excessive speeding.

Insurance Premiums

Being convicted of speeding can lead to higher insurance costs. Insurance companies weigh the severity of the violation, your driving record, age, and license type when determining your rates. Multiple speeding convictions can render you uninsurable through regular insurance providers.

Demerit Points and Driving Record

Convictions for speeding typically result in the addition of demerit points to your driving record. Amassing demerit points can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. Speeding convictions also remain on your driving record for an extended period of time, thereby influencing your driving history.

Imprisonment

Extreme speeding that endangers others on the road can lead to imprisonment, especially if the case involves bodily harm.

Speeding for Novice and Commercial Drivers

Novice and commercial drivers follow a slightly different sets of rules when it comes to speeding:

Novice Drivers

Speeding carries additional implications for novice drivers with G1, G2, M1, or M2 licenses. A first speeding ticket with four or more demerit points can result in license suspension and, in certain instances, license revocation.

Commercial Drivers

For drivers with a Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR), speeding convictions can result in job termination, difficulties in finding new employment, and the possibility of triggering an audit by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

How OTD Ticket Defenders Can Help

OTD Legal is your trusted partner when dealing with speeding tickets. Our team specializes in traffic ticket defence, as we have a thorough understanding of the law, court proceedings, and the legal strategies at your disposal. We stand ready to fight on your behalf and help your case by:

• Analyzing your ticket and other relevant evidence like witness reports
• Providing expert legal advice tailored to your needs.
• Handling all necessary court filings, paperwork, and communication documents prior to any court date.
• Negotiating with prosecutors to secure the best possible outcome for your traffic offence.
• Building strong legal arguments in your favour.
• Acting as your authorized legal representative in court, if needed.