The Stop Sign Ticket: Seems Minor, But Isn't

A lot of drivers see a $110 fine and 3 demerit points and decide it's not worth fighting. That's often the wrong call. Here's why a stop sign conviction deserves more consideration than it gets.

What the Charge Actually Costs You

The fine is $110. But the conviction stays on your driving abstract for 3 years. During those 3 years, most Ontario insurers will apply a surcharge at renewal — typically $100–$300 per year on your premium. Over 3 years, that's $300–$900 in additional insurance costs, on top of the fine. When you add the demerit points into the picture — 3 points from a single stop sign violation — you're getting closer to the 9-point warning letter threshold than most people realize.

Ontario's Stop Sign Law

Section 136 of the Highway Traffic Act requires that you come to a complete stop at every stop sign, at the stop line if one is present, before the crosswalk, or — where neither exists — before entering the intersection. A "rolling stop" or a vehicle that slows but doesn't fully stop is technically a violation. The officer's subjective judgment plays a large role.

Common Defences

• Complete stop was made: If you believe you did stop, say so. The officer's testimony is not automatically conclusive. Were they at an angle that made a complete stop appear like a rolling stop?
• Obstructed stop line or sign: Was the sign obscured by vegetation or weather? Was the stop line faded?
• Emergency: Extremely rare, but if you ran a stop sign to avoid a collision or in a genuine emergency, document it.
• Officer's vantage point: Where was the officer positioned? Could they actually see whether your wheels stopped?

When It's Worth Fighting

Every case is different, but as a general rule: fight if you have 3 or more demerit points already on your record, if this is your second minor conviction in 3 years, or if you're a new driver on a G1 or G2 who can't afford any demerit points. For a clean driver with zero prior convictions, a single stop sign ticket might not dramatically change your insurance — but it accumulates. Two minor convictions in 3 years can tip you into a major surcharge category.

What a Paralegal Can Do

For a $110 fine, you might wonder if a paralegal is worth it. At minimum, it's worth a free consultation to assess your specific situation. In many cases, a paralegal can negotiate a reduced fine or a charge that carries 0 demerit points — which eliminates the insurance impact entirely. That's often possible even without a winning trial defence.

Contact us for a free consultation: 289-275-3513.

The Stop Sign Ticket: Seems Minor, But Isn't

A lot of drivers see a $110 fine and 3 demerit points and decide it's not worth fighting. That's often the wrong call. Here's why a stop sign conviction deserves more consideration than it gets.

What the Charge Actually Costs You

The fine is $110. But the conviction stays on your driving abstract for 3 years. During those 3 years, most Ontario insurers will apply a surcharge at renewal — typically $100–$300 per year on your premium. Over 3 years, that's $300–$900 in additional insurance costs, on top of the fine. When you add the demerit points into the picture — 3 points from a single stop sign violation — you're getting closer to the 9-point warning letter threshold than most people realize.