What is a Disobey Stop Sign Ticket in Ontario?

In Ontario, a disobey stop sign ticket is issued when a driver fails to come to a full stop at the sign. The law states that drivers must stop completely before the line, crosswalk, or closest to the intersection if there are no lines. Understanding what constitutes a full stop is critical to fighting this ticket.

Disobey Stop Sign Penalties

The consequences for disobeying a sign are significant in Ontario. Not only does the fine impact your wallet, but the infraction also results in demerit points on your driving record. Let’s delve deeper into these penalties.

Penalties include:

• fine of not less than $60 and not more than $1,000
• 3 demerit points added to your driving record.
• Potential increase to your car insurance rates.

Although insurance companies can only see your record for the previous three years, the charge itself remains on your driving record for life.

Depending on your occupation a conviction on your driving record can have significant repercussions on your employment prospects, especially for professional drivers.

How To Fight a Disobey Sign Ticket

It might seem daunting to fight a stop sign ticket, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it’s certainly possible. Key strategies for contesting the ticket include questioning the clarity of the sign, the officer’s view of the incident, and the definition of a full stop.

Traffic Paralegal Services has decades of combined experience in fighting all tickets in Ontario.

We have effectively protected our clients’ rights and driver’s records in court and our objectives are always to:

• Win your case
• Reduce the charges to a lesser degree
• Avoid or minimize any increases to your insurance

We charge a set fee for these offences which will include all work on your file, from start to finish with no additional or hidden fees. The court process can be quite confusing and intimidating. On your trial date, our experienced paralegals will advocate on your behalf, to get you the best possible outcome.

Peculiarities of Fighting Disobey Stop Sign Charges

Fighting these charges has its own set of peculiarities. Unlike speeding tickets, stop sign violations are absolute liability offences, meaning the intent is not considered during the trial.

However, there is no legislated definition as to what constitutes a complete stop and there are a number of avenues to argue. When fighting a stop sign ticket, it is important to keep in mind that most courts’ definition encompasses bringing one’s motor vehicle “to a full and complete stop”. This definition at first glance seems straightforward but unfortunately is highly subjective, and the opinions of the officer, the driver, and the courts can all be very different. It is important to hire an experienced paralegal to argue your case and give you the best chance to beat your stop sign ticket.