Fight Your Hamilton Speeding Ticket

In Hamilton, as in many Ontario cities, traffic tickets are frequently issued, with speeding being a common violation. These offences can have major consequences for your driving record and can increase your insurance premiums.

For those seeking to prevent a traffic ticket conviction or start an appeal in Hamilton, OTD Legal stands as your partner in building a robust defence.

Speeding According to the Highway Traffic Act

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) defines speeding as exceeding the posted speed limit on any road. Speed limits are in place for the safety of all who use the road. Varying degrees of speeding exist, with some instances escalating into more serious traffic violations.

Stunt Driving

Exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/hr in less than 80 km/hr zones, by 50 km/hr in 80 km/hr or higher zones, or driving at 150 km/hr or above, could result in stunt driving charges. Such an offence typically brings immediate driver’s license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and hefty fines. If you’re facing a stunt driving ticket, we urge you to contact us promptly.

Careless Driving

Speeding can be classified as careless driving if it involves driving without due consideration for the safety of others on the road. Careless driving charges can lead to fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. If you’re facing a careless driving ticket in Hamilton, know that OTD is ready to assist you.

The Consequences of Speeding

The severity of a speeding violation dictates the range of potential consequences, varying from minor to more serious repercussions.

Fines

The cost of a speeding ticket depends on how much you exceed the speed limit, with fines ranging from $2.50 per km/h for slight overages (1-19 km/h over) to more than $9.75 per km/h for excessive speeding.

Insurance Premiums

A conviction for speeding or other traffic offences can result in increased insurance premiums. Insurers consider the seriousness of the offence, along with your driving history, age, and the type of license you hold, in setting your rates. Accumulating several speeding convictions may make it difficult to obtain insurance from standard providers.

Demerit Points and Driving Record

When convicted of speeding, demerit points are typically added to your driving record. The accumulation of these points may lead to your driver’s license being suspended. Speeding convictions also have a lasting effect on your driving record, influencing your driving history over time.

Imprisonment

Excessive speeding that poses a danger to others can result in imprisonment, particularly in instances where it causes bodily harm.

Speeding for Novice and Commercial Drivers

Different rules apply to novice and commercial drivers in relation to speeding infractions.

Novice Drivers

For novice drivers holding G1, G2, M1, or M2 licenses, speeding has more severe consequences. Receiving a first speeding ticket with four or more demerit points may lead to the suspension of their license and possibly even its revocation.

Commercial Drivers

Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) holders may face job loss, employment challenges, and potential Ministry of Transportation (MTO) audits as a result of speeding convictions.

How OTD Ticket Defenders Can Help

With OTD Legal, you have a dependable partner for your speeding ticket issues. Our team places a specific emphasis in traffic ticket defence and brings a comprehensive understanding of the law, the Hamilton traffic court process, and available defence strategies. We are ready to support and strengthen your case by:

• Analyzing your ticket and other evidence.
• Providing legal advice tailored to your needs.
• Handling all necessary court filings, paperwork, and communication documents prior to any court date.
• Negotiating with prosecutors.
• Building strong legal arguments in your favour.
• Acting as your authorized legal representative in early resolution meeting procedures and in court, if needed.