subject: Careless Driving Ticket. Tips Here [print this page] What Is Careless Driving? According to Ontario Highway Traffic Act, which specifies all traffic related issues, careless driving and penalties it imposes are defined as follows:
Every person is guilty of the offence of driving carelessly who drives a vehicle or street car on a highway without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway and on conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both, and in addition his or her licence or permit may be suspended for a period of not more than two years. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 130.
Careless driving is a widely spread violation in Toronto. It is defined as an inability to accurately assess the situation on the road and adjust to it. To put it another way, careless driving is caused by improper and inadequate driving habits. Pushing on in poor weather conditions, rushing through heavy traffic, intolerance toward others may finally cost you quite a bit.
Same as speeding tickets, careless driving in Toronto predefines a hefty penalty and a number of demerit points to be added to your driving record. If you've received a ticket for careless driving in Toronto you must be well aware of what you are being charged with. In case you're convicted of the charge, you'll end up paying a hefty fine. Even worse, you may be injailed under certain circumstances. All tickets for careless driving in Toronto can be classified as follows:
Careless Driving Ticket With a Fine
Careless driving ticket with a fine reflects the fee amount on it. In this case an offender will be charged over $300 fee. Plus, 6 demerit points along with it. Want to reduce the fee? Well, what you can do to lighten a blow is to plead guilty with an explanation or stand a trial. If you go for the first option you will have a chance to reduce the amount of your fee without a trial.
Yet, your careless driving ticket will be reflected on your driving record. If you're aiming to reduce the amount of your fee or the number of demerit points then your option is to go to court. In this case it's advisable you hire a professional paralegal to represent your case. That way you'll stand solid chances to beat your careless driving ticket and eliminate possible consequences it can pose.
Careless Driving Ticket without a Fine
If you were caught severely violating rules and therefore causing troubles on the road it's very likely you receive careless driving ticket without a fine. This means you have to appear in court to answer to all your charges. The penalty for that kind of driving violation may vary depending on the specific facts of your case. The amount of a fee the offender will be charged is defined by the Justice of Peace and comes to $500-1000.
No other options will be possible to consider if you get careless driving ticket in Toronto. In worse possible case your driving licence can be suspended up to two years or you may be sentenced for 6 months the longest. Unfortunately, the careless driving ticket will have a detrimental effect not only on your driving record but you car insurance rates. Your insurance company will qualify you as a high risk driver and your premiums will soar overnight.
If you happen to receive a careless ticket and uncertain about your further actions it's recommended you address a professional paralegal to give you a valuable advice and outline your further steps.
