Do Parking Tickets Affect Your Car Insurance?

Typically, parking tickets do not directly affect your car insurance rates. Car insurance companies generally consider moving violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and DUI when determining your insurance premium. However, if you fail to pay a parking ticket and it leads to a warrant for your arrest or your car being impounded, your car insurance company could potentially find out and take it into consideration when determining your risk as a policyholder.

Common Parking Ticket Infractions

Common parking ticket infractions include:

Parking in a handicapped space without proper permit
Parking in a no parking zone
Parking at an expired meter
Parking in a fire lane
Blocking a driveway or fire hydrant
Parking in a loading zone
Parked too close to a crosswalk or stop sign
Overtime parking in a time-limited space
Parked on the sidewalk
Parked in a reserved space without proper permit.
Laws and regulations regarding parking ticket infractions vary by location, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the local parking regulations in the areas where you park.

What happens if you don’t pay parking tickets in Ontario?

If you don’t pay parking tickets in Ontario, the consequences can escalate. Here are some steps that may be taken:

1. Late fee: If you don’t pay a parking ticket by the due date, a late fee may be added to the original amount owed.
2. Collection agencies: The ticket may be referred to a collection agency, which will attempt to collect the debt on behalf of the municipality.
3. Suspension of license plate renewal: In some cases, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation may refuse to renew your license plate if you have unpaid parking tickets.
4. Vehicle impoundment: If you have multiple unpaid tickets, your vehicle may be impounded until the fines are paid.
5. Legal action: In extreme cases, the municipality may take legal action to recover the debt, which could result in wage garnishments or seizure of assets.

It’s important to note that parking ticket fines and procedures may vary by municipality in Ontario, so it’s best to check with your local government or parking authority for specific details.

Does parking tickets affect your driving record?

Parking tickets do not typically go on your driving record and do not affect your driving record points. Your driving record is a record of your moving violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, and DUI, which can result in points being added to your record and potentially lead to increased insurance rates or suspension of your driver’s license. However, if you have unpaid parking tickets and they result in your vehicle being impounded or a warrant for your arrest, this information could potentially be discovered by your insurance company and considered when determining your insurance rates.

How much is a parking ticket in Ontario?

The cost of a parking ticket in Ontario varies depending on the type of violation. The fines for common parking offenses range from $20 to $100. Some examples of parking ticket costs in Ontario include:

1. Parking at an expired meter: $30
2. Parking in a no parking zone: $40
3. Blocking a driveway or fire hydrant: $60
4. Parking in a handicapped space without proper permit: $300

It’s important to note that these fines may vary by municipality and may increase if the ticket is not paid on time. It’s best to check with your local government or parking authority for specific information on parking fines in your area.

Do parking tickets affect demerit points?

No, parking tickets do not typically result in demerit points on your driving record. Demerit points are assigned for specific moving violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, and DUI. These points can lead to increased insurance rates and the potential suspension of your driver’s license. Parking tickets are considered non-moving violations and do not result in demerit points. However, if you have unpaid parking tickets and they result in your vehicle being impounded or a warrant for your arrest, this information could potentially be discovered by your insurance company and considered when determining your insurance rates.