If you work hard for your money, traffic tickets can be a curse because all you're essentially doing is paying a lot of money for a piece of paper handed to you.
Some people take it further and use up a lot of valuable time fighting traffic tickets to have them dismissed or reduced. Not only that, these traffic tickets are also the reason why so many Canadians see an increase in their car insurance. The question is – 'how do you avoid traffic tickets? Understanding traffic laws is a good place to start.
Understand traffic laws
Canada has a massive network of roads stretching over 1042 million kilometers. They have also got their trans-Canada Highway. This is the 4th longest highway in the world, so you can imagine it has signs and rules that need complying with.
Apart from finding out- and understanding how right-of-way works in Canada, you need to wear safety belts and also know the speed limit in Canada. Speed limits aren't measured in miles but kilometers per hour.
You will find speed limit signs on all roads. Speed limits in urban areas will usually be 50km/h will rural roads will be 60-80 km/h. The maximum speed limit on highways will be 80 – 100 km/h.
Car insurance legally required
In Ontario, it is mandatory for drivers to have car insurance. Not having it can see you getting a fine as well as license suspensions. There's every chance you can have your vehicle impounded as well. Canadians can simply go online and buy car insurance. Going through a broker makes it that much easier.
Brokerlink does the work of searching for affordable car insurance for you. Having more info from specialized brokers on the likes of discounts from different insurance options means you compare and get the policy that fits.
As Canada's biggest and most reliable, trusted insurance brokers, they impartially match what you can afford to the insurance company with the lowest insurance rate in Toronto.
Avoid driving hazards
The Canadians put a lot of emphasis on road safety and there are heavy penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. Marijuana became legal in October 2018 in Canada and many Canadians don't understand its usage and driving.
Impaired driving is a leading cause of injury and death in Canada and 40% of Canadian drivers killed in car accidents test positive for drugs. The legalization of cannabis has caused more cannabis-related road accidents.
Alcohol and weed consumption can lead to lapses in your ability to make decisions. Between 2 and 5 nanograms of THC per ml of blood or alcohol in your system gets you a $1,000 fine. There is also the chance of 10 years in jail for repeat offenders.
Options to avoid paying a traffic ticket
There are a few options open to you to choose within 15 days that the ticket was issued to you. You can simply plead guilty, pay your traffic ticket and not have to go to court. Paying a ticket means the traffic conviction goes onto your driving record.
You can pay the ticket online. There is also what is known as the Early Resolution option where you appear in court to lower the penalties. It will still result in a traffic offence. Then there is the Not Guilty Plea.
By pleading not guilty, there is the chance that your charges will be dismissed. With this option, there are no extra court fees. Some jurisdictions offer an option to attend traffic school, and then your charges are reduced or dismissed.