As Ontario’s cities develop and grow, everyone gets to enjoy the emerging businesses, the expansion and improvement of infrastructure, and the growth of cultural diversity. However, along with these benefits come more difficulties for drivers. In the city of Toronto, in particular, parking can be quite challenging due to various factors such as the city’s population density, limited parking spaces, and the high demand for parking in certain areas.
Even the most experienced drivers can make mistakes that will lead to a parking ticket. When that happens, you might be worried about the impact that these sanctions will have on your driving record, as well as your vehicle insurance rates.
What happens after I receive a parking ticket?
Parking bylaws are designed and enforced to help reduce traffic congestion and maintain ease of traffic flow within city streets. Some of these regulations include a three-hour limit for parking on public roads, parking bans in areas designated as no-stopping zones, such as school zones during specific times, among many others.
If you violate one of these bylaws, a parking enforcement officer may issue you a parking ticket. The ticket will include details about the violation, such as the location, time, and nature of the offense. Your parking ticket will also indicate the amount of the fine you are required to pay for the violation. In Ontario, the cost of a parking ticket can range from $15 to $450 depending on the type you receive and the city you get the ticket in.
You can pay for your parking violation online, by mail, or in-person. In Toronto, you have fifteen days to provide payment for a parking ticket. Failing to pay the fine by the specified deadline can prevent you from renewing your driver’s license and from getting your plate stickers. You will be required to pay any outstanding fines you have in order to obtain a renewed license or license plates.
Do parking tickets affect my driving record or my insurance rates?
In Ontario, parking infractions are usually administered by the municipality in which you received it and are not reported to the Ministry of Transportation, which administers driving records.
Insurance companies will check your driving record to assess how much you will pay. If you recently received a parking ticket, this is good news as it means this will not affect your insurance rate in the province. However, to ensure that you keep your car insurance premiums as low as possible, it is important to familiarize yourself with and respect the rules of the road and traffic laws in your area.
Which driving violations affect my insurance rates?
Moving violations are a type of traffic offense that happens when a vehicle is in motion and the driver violates a specific traffic law or regulation. Some of these are:
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Speeding
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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Reckless driving (i.e. in a manner that shows a disregard for the safety of others)
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Failure to use a seat belt
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Tailgating
The infractions listed above are serious, and will have a substantial impact on your insurance premium, as will the presence of several tickets or violations.
