Receiving a red light ticket may seem like a small offense but the truth is that it can still have significant impact on your driving record and insurance premiums. Many people in Ontario are aware of the importance of fighting speeding tickets, but few people choose to challenge red light tickets. It can seem like too much of an inconvenience to fight a red light ticket and many people choose to simply pay the fine to make it go away. A red light ticket does not simply go away; it will impact your ability to drive for a full three years after you are convicted.

 

It is advisable to educate yourself on exactly what the implications are before choosing to pay any type of motor vehicle ticket. Most red light tickets not only have a fine, but also involve demerit points. Demerit points may not seem like a big deal at the time, but insurance companies periodically review the driver’s abstracts and any traffic violations or demerit points translate into hefty increases in insurance premiums. For drivers with previous violations, further demerit points can result in license suspension.

 

 

A traditional red light ticket is issued by a police officer for failure to come to complete stop at a red light or a stop sign. A red light ticket can also be given to drivers whose car passes any part of a marked pedestrian walkway at an intersection. The ticket that is issued will have both the fine amount and the number of demerit points that will be deducted. These tickets provide three pleas to be entered including:

• Guilty
• Guilty with an explanation
• Not guilty with the request for a trial

Payment of the fine displayed on the ticket automatically enters a guilty plea. Choosing a not guilty plea and filing intent to appear in court are the only ways to fight for the dismissal of the ticket or at least a reduction in either the fine amount of the number of demerit points lost.

 

 

There are professional paralegal companies who will meet with you to discuss your situation and advise you of the options available. Enlisting the help of experienced legal professionals is the best way to understand your situation and find the appropriate course of action.

 

Obtaining effective representation allows you to have a representative challenge the traffic ticket and appear in court on your behalf. This prevents you from missing work to fight traffic tickets while also receiving premium quality legal services.

 

There are paralegal companies operating in Ontario with over 20 years of experience in the field. This involves experience helping people fight convictions for a variety of charges including:

• Impaired driving
• Driving without insurance
• Speeding
• Careless driving
• Driving under suspension
• Out of province tickets (including Quebec and New York)

Consult with an experienced paralegal team before paying red light tickets or pleading guilty to any other type of motor vehicle charge brought against you. Find out how they can help you understand your rights and protect your driving record.