G2 Drivers and Speeding Tickets

• “Novice Driver” Classification: Class G2 drivers are categorized as “Novice Drivers” by the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario. This classification comes with specific, more stringent rules and consequences for traffic violations.
• Lower Thresholds for Penalties: As novice drivers, G2 licence holders face lower thresholds for both speeding tickets and demerit points. Exceeding these thresholds can lead to the suspension of their driving licence.
• Impact of Speeding Convictions: Speeding tickets have a significant impact on G2 drivers. Any conviction for speeding not only adds a conviction record but can also lead to a licence suspension. Each of these events is recorded as a separate “line” on the driver’s record.
• Regulatory Framework: These rules and their implications for Class G2 drivers are outlined under Ontario Regulation 340/94, emphasizing their novice status and the associated driving responsibilities.

G2 drivers, being novice drivers, are held to a higher standard with lower tolerance for demerit points.



This approach is part of Ontario’s strategy to ensure that new drivers develop safe driving habits from the outset. Understanding these regulations under Ontario Regulation 340/94 are crucial for novice drivers to understand their driving privileges and keeping a clean driving record.

Demerit Points and Consequences for Class G2 Drivers

Class G2 drivers in Ontario accrue demerit points in the same manner as other drivers, but the implications of these points, particularly regarding licence suspensions, differ notably:

• Different Suspension Levels: Although G2 drivers receive demerit points similar to other licence classes, the threshold for licence suspensions is different and typically lower. This means that accumulating fewer points can lead to suspension more quickly for G2 drivers compared to those with a full G licence.
• Impact of Convictions on Insurance Rates: Any conviction for breaching the specific conditions of a Class G2 driver’s licence can lead to a significant hike in insurance rates. This increase is generally maintained for a duration of up to three years.
• Dual Convictions Leading to Higher Insurance: The increase in insurance rates for G2 drivers can be attributed to the recording of two types of convictions on their driving record:
  • Conviction for the Traffic Violation: This includes any offence for which the G2 driver is convicted, such as speeding or other traffic infractions.
  • 30-Day Licence Suspension: If the G2 driver’s licence is suspended for 30-days due to violations, this suspension is recorded as a separate conviction.

The heightened sensitivity to demerit points and the associated consequences, such as increased insurance rates and quicker licence suspensions, underscore the importance of adherence to traffic laws for G2 drivers.

Demerit Point Suspension Rules for G2 Drivers

G2 drivers in Ontario face strict regulations regarding demerit points and potential licence suspensions:

• Demerit Point Limit for G2 Drivers: G2 licence holders are allowed to accumulate a maximum of 5 demerit points. Accumulating 6 demerit points triggers an automatic 30-day suspension of their licence.
• Immediate Suspension for High-Point Violations: If a G2 driver receives a single ticket that carries 4 or more demerit points, their licence will be suspended for 30 days. This rule reflects the stringent approach taken towards ensuring the safety and responsibility of novice drivers.
• Violations Incurring 4 or More Demerit Points: There are several traffic violations that carry 4 or more demerit points, leading to immediate suspension for G2 drivers. These include:
  • Careless driving.
  • Following too closely.
  • Failing to stop for a school bus.
  • Speeding more than 29km/h over the limit.
• Insurance Implications: G2 drivers whose drivers licences have been suspended will find that the insurance rates increase dramatically.  The suspension puts 3 strikes against the driver because:
  • they are novice drivers
  • who was convicted of a traffic offence, and
  • their licence was suspended

Understanding and adhering to these demerit point rules is crucial for G2 drivers to maintain their driving privileges. The Ontario driving regulations aim to cultivate responsible driving habits among novice drivers by imposing strict consequences for serious traffic violations.



Where a novice licence has been suspended, driver are encouraged to seek the advice of a paralegal or lawyer about filing and appeal to remove or mitigate the conviction.  Thereby reducing or dropping the effect on insurance rates.

Driving Conditions and Penalties for G2 Licence Holders

G2 licence holders in Ontario are subject to specific driving conditions. Breaching these conditions and being convicted of the offense leads to serious repercussions:

• Consequences of Breaching Conditions: A first-time offence for breaching any G2 licence conditions results in a 30-day suspension from driving.

Essential Driving Conditions for G2 Licence Holders:

1. Zero Blood Alcohol Level: G2 drivers must maintain a blood alcohol level of zero while driving.
2. Mandatory Seat Belt Use for All Passengers: Every passenger in the vehicle must be secured with a seat belt.
3. Prohibition on Cellphone Use: G2 drivers are not allowed to use a cellphone or any handheld device while driving.
4. Restricted Access to Certain Highways: G2 drivers are prohibited from driving on 400 series highways such as the Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, E.C. Row Expressway, and Conestoga Parkway.
5. Driving Time Restrictions: They are not permitted to drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
6. Requirement for Accompaniment by a Class G Driver: G2 drivers must always be accompanied by a Class G driver who has at least 4 years of driving experience.
7. Restrictions on Accompanying Class G Driver’s Alcohol Level: The accompanying Class G driver must have a blood alcohol level of under .05 mgs and must be seated in the front passenger seat.

Enforcement Actions for Violations:

• In instances where a G2 driver is found violating these conditions, law enforcement officers have the authority to remove the driver from the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle may be towed as part of the enforcement action.

Adhering to these conditions is crucial for G2 licence holders. Not only do these rules ensure the safety of the novice driver and other road users, but they also help in fostering responsible driving habits from the early stages of driving experience.

Convictions and Their Impact on G2 Licence Holders

G2 licence holders in Ontario, much like all drivers, accumulate demerit points from traffic tickets. However, the threshold for licence suspensions for these novice drivers is significantly lower, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic rules.

Key Traffic Violations and Associated Demerit Points for G2 Drivers:

• Speeding Over 30km/h: Exceeding the speed limit by 30 kilometres or more results in a penalty of four (4) demerit points.
• Following Too Closely: This violation also carries a penalty of four (4) demerit points.
• Careless Driving: A more severe offence, careless driving leads to six (6) demerit points.
• Failing to Remain at an Accident Scene: This serious violation carries six (6) demerit points.
• Stunt Driving: This offence leads to immediate consequences:
  • An immediate 7-day suspension upon being charged.
  • A 30-day suspension upon conviction.
  • A potential additional suspension of up to two years.

Any conviction for any of the above traffic tickets, or the accumulation of two or more traffic tickets with demerit points accumulations of 6 demerit points will result in a licence suspension for a G2 Driver.

Insurance Implications for Convicted G2 Drivers:

• Insurance Challenges: G2 drivers who are convicted of traffic offences, accumulate demerit points, or are involved in accidents will find that many insurance companies may be reluctant to provide coverage.
• High Insurance Costs: The insurance premiums for G2 drivers, in the event that they are offered coverage, tend to be very expensive. In some cases, G2 drivers might be classified under “high-risk insurance” rates due to their increased liability risk.
• Household Drivers: Where a novice driver has been suspended under the parents insurance policy, the convictions and suspension may affect all other drivers in the household.

For G2 drivers, understanding the gravity of these traffic convictions is crucial. Not only do these violations carry the risk of licence suspension, but they also significantly impact insurance rates. This makes it vital for G2 drivers to practice safe and responsible driving to maintain their licence and ensure they can secure affordable insurance coverage.