Provincial Offences Act
(POA) FAQs — What Ontario Drivers Need to Know
Clear answers about Ontario traffic tickets, charges, and your rights
Facing a charge under Ontario’s Provincial Offences Act (POA) can be overwhelming — especially when deadlines, demerit points, licence suspensions, and insurance consequences aren’t clearly explained.
This POA FAQ page answers the most common questions we hear from drivers across Ontario. We break down traffic ticket procedures, court timelines, penalties, defence options, and what happens if a ticket is ignored — in plain language, without unnecessary legal jargon.
These answers are informed by real POA cases handled every day by our Ontario-licensed paralegals. While every situation is different, this page will help you understand what’s routine, what’s serious, and when early legal guidance can protect your driving record.
If your question isn’t answered here — or if a deadline is approaching — don’t wait. Get clear advice tailored to your situation before your options are limited. Contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.
✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
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“They were the fastest and most informative. Damian gave me clear guidance right from the initial consultation.” — Kelly Y., Former Client
General FAQs About Traffic Tickets in Ontario
Getting a traffic ticket in Ontario can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re unsure of your rights, your deadlines, or how the charge could affect your driving record long-term.
Whether it’s speeding, careless driving, driving without insurance, or another offence, traffic tickets often carry consequences far beyond a fine. Demerit points, licence suspensions, and increased insurance rates can follow you for years if the charge isn’t handled properly.
In this FAQ section, we answer the most common questions Ontario drivers ask before deciding what to do next. These answers are informed by real cases handled daily by our experienced paralegals, who defend all types of traffic offences across Ontario.
Before you pay your ticket or plead guilty, get informed advice. Your first consultation is free, and it could help you avoid unnecessary penalties, protect your driving record, and reduce long-term insurance costs.
You have questions. We provide clear answers — and guidance tailored to your situation.
1. Can a licensed paralegal really fight my traffic ticket in Ontario?
Yes. In Ontario, licensed and LSO-regulated paralegals are authorized to represent clients in Provincial Offences Court — including traffic ticket cases.
We review the disclosure, cross-examine officers, and make legal submissions just like lawyers do for these matters.
Our goal is to protect your record, reduce penalties, and help you avoid demerit points or licence suspension.
2. What types of traffic tickets can you help with?
We defend nearly all Highway Traffic Act offences, including speeding, careless driving, distracted driving, driving without insurance, failure to stop, and disobeying signs or signals.
We also handle more serious matters like stunt driving and suspended licence charges.
If you received a ticket anywhere in Ontario, we can help.
3. Is it worth fighting a traffic ticket?
In most cases, yes.
Even a single conviction can raise your insurance premiums for years or result in demerit points and licence suspensions.
Fighting a ticket gives you the opportunity to have the charge reduced or dismissed.
Our team evaluates your case for free to help you decide whether it’s worth pursuing.
4. What happens if I ignore my ticket?
Ignoring a ticket can lead to an automatic conviction, higher fines, licence suspension, and collections.
You’ll lose your right to challenge the charge, and the conviction will go on your driving record.
If that’s already happened, we may still be able to help you reopen the case or file an appeal.
5. Can my ticket be dismissed if the officer doesn’t show up?
Possibly, but not automatically. The court may decide to reschedule or proceed using other evidence.
That’s why we focus on legal and procedural defences, not just hope the officer fails to appear.
A strong defence is built on disclosure review, technical arguments, and preparation.
Not sure if your situation qualifies for dismissal?
Reach out to us for a free consultation — we’ll tell you your best defence strategy.
6. How much does it cost to fight a traffic ticket?
At Cordaie Paralegal Services, we offer flat-fee pricing — no hourly surprises. The cost depends on the complexity of your case, but our consultations are always free.
During your free case review, we’ll give you an exact quote before you make any decisions. Nearly all of our rates are listed right here on our website.
View our Fee Schedule to learn more.
7. Will I have to appear in court?
Usually, no.
Our licensed paralegals handle the entire process — filing documents, attending court, and communicating with prosecutors on your behalf.
You’ll only need to appear if specifically required, such as for a trial or appeal where your testimony is essential.
Most clients never step foot in court.
8. How long does it take to resolve a traffic ticket case?
Timelines vary by court and case type.
A simple speeding ticket may be resolved in a few months, while complex matters like careless driving or appeals can take longer.
We keep you informed at every step and handle all filings and deadlines promptly.
9. Will challenging my ticket affect my insurance?
No — simply fighting a ticket does not affect your insurance. However, being convicted or pleading guilty will.
Our job is to minimize or eliminate those risks by reducing or removing the charge from your record entirely.
10. Can I appeal a conviction I already paid for?
Yes, in many cases.
Even if you’ve already paid or were convicted in absence, you may still have the right to appeal.
We’ll review your case for legal or procedural errors and determine whether reopening or appealing is possible.
11. What happens during my free consultation?
You’ll speak directly with a licensed paralegal who reviews your ticket, explains your legal options, and outlines a potential defence strategy.
It’s 100% free and confidential — no pressure to commit. You’ll leave the call understanding exactly what your next step should be.
12. Are your paralegals licensed and regulated?
Absolutely. All Cordaie paralegals are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and follow strict professional and ethical standards.
You can verify any license through the LSO’s public registry at any time.
13. What makes Cordaie different from other paralegal firms?
We don’t use “cookie-cutter” defences or shortcuts.
Every case is handled with precision, preparation, and persistence. We analyze every detail of your disclosure, challenge weak evidence, and pursue every opportunity to protect your record.
Our approach is technical, ethical, and proven.
14. Can you handle cases outside my city?
Yes. We serve all Ontario courts, from Toronto to Ottawa to Windsor and beyond.
Most of our work is done electronically, and we can appear in court on your behalf regardless of your location within the province (depending on our schedule and availability).
15. How do I start the process?
Simply request a free case review. We’ll analyze your ticket and explain your options clearly before you decide.
Clear, Reliable Support for Ontario Traffic Ticket Matters
Traffic tickets can be stressful and confusing — especially when you’re unsure how the process works or how a charge could affect your driving record long-term.
At Cordaie Paralegal Services, we provide clear guidance, prompt communication, and dependable legal support at every stage of your traffic ticket matter. You’ll know what to expect, what your options are, and what steps are being taken on your behalf — without uncertainty or unnecessary delays.
With transparent flat-fee pricing and province-wide representation across Ontario, we make the traffic ticket process easier to understand, more efficient to manage, and far less stressful — so you can move forward with confidence, knowing your case is being handled professionally.
“I've contacted several paralegals and they are the fastest and most informative. Damian has already given me clues in his initial counseling session. I will definitely retain him if the issue is not resolved.”
Kelly Y., Former Client
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Ontario Drivers Supported — No Matter Where You’re Located
No matter where you live in Ontario, you can rely on Cordaie Paralegal Services for accessible, province-wide traffic ticket defence. We support drivers in major centres such as Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, and London, as well as smaller communities and rural areas across the province.
Most traffic ticket matters can be handled remotely, without courthouse visits or time away from work. From reviewing your ticket and requesting disclosure to explaining defence options and preparing for court, we manage key steps by phone or online whenever possible — keeping the process efficient and straightforward.
Our Ontario-wide traffic ticket services are built around convenience, clarity, and peace of mind.
Wherever your charge was issued, we focus on making the process easier to understand, less time-consuming, and far less stressful — so you can move forward with confidence knowing your case is being handled professionally.
