The Short Answer: No.
If you are caught by an automated intersection camera whether it is a red light camera or an automated speed enforcement camera in British Columbia or Ontario, you will not receive demerit points on your standard driver’s license.
If you have had the experience of looking into your rearview mirror and noticing a sudden flash of light while driving across an intersection, then you will be familiar with the feelings that come after. Immediately you start thinking about the possible repercussions, such as how much damage this will do to your pocket.
If you are ticketed by an automated traffic light camera or an automated speed detection camera in British Columbia or Ontario, your regular driving license will not get any demerit points. Your auto insurance premiums will similarly remain unaffected by your ticketing. However, you will still get your ticket with a fine.
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the specific reasons why this happens, and other related details in both provinces.
The “Why”: The Driver vs. The Registered Owner
The answer as to why the intersection cameras cannot give out demerits lies in how the law looks upon the evidence collected.
If a cop stops you for red-light running or speeding and asks for your driver’s license, there is no doubt in his mind that you are the culprit. He knows precisely who the culprit is, and thus he can attach demerit points to your driving record.
The intersection camera does not function this way. The intersection camera captures an image of the back license plate of the vehicle, not the identity of the driver. As the government cannot prove that it was your driving at the time the offense took place (it could be you, your spouse, your friend, or even a teenage child using your car), they cannot penalize your driving record.
The ticket becomes an administrative offense. It places all responsibility for paying the fine on the owner of the vehicle. Since the offense is committed by the vehicle and not by the driver, no demerit points will be awarded.
Intersection Cameras in British Columbia
In British Columbia, they are referred to as Intersection Safety Cameras (ISCs). They are located at those intersections which experience many accidents within the province. They detect drivers who run red traffic lights as well as those speeding through the intersection regardless of whether the traffic light is red, amber, or green.
- The Price: A typical red light camera violation ticket issued in British Columbia will cost you around $167.
- The Procedure: The ticket will be sent to the owner of the vehicle. You may either pay the ticket or refute it if your vehicle had been stolen or if the wrong license plate number was used.
- The Effect: As long as you pay the fine, nothing happens to your driving record and the insurance you pay through ICBC.
Intersection Cameras in Ontario
Ontario utilizes Red Light Camera (RLC) and Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE). The cameras are mostly regulated at the local government level; cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Sudbury regulate them.
- The Cost: The cost of fines is much higher in Ontario than in British Columbia. A red light camera violation will cost you about $325 (including the fine, victim surcharge, and city fees), although the maximum amount may be $500, depending on the specific region and the court fee.
- The Procedure: As in BC, the violation notice is sent to the registered vehicle owner by post.
- The Effect: As in BC, the citation from the camera does not reflect on your driving record and will not serve as a reason for your insurance company to increase your premiums.
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Important Things to Care About
While avoiding demerit points is a massive relief, a camera ticket is not something you can simply ignore. Here are a few critical things to keep in mind:
Unpaid Fines Block Renewals
These tickets are linked to your license plate, and if you ignore them, they will come back to haunt you. Failure to pay for the fine will result in both British Columbia and Ontario preventing you from renewing your vehicle registration or license plate stickers until the fine is paid off.
The Commercial Driver Exception
In the case where you are driving a commercial vehicle, things work a little bit differently. While regular motorists are not credited with personal demerit points, camera tickets are counted against commercial safety records. In Ontario, these tickets may contribute to your CVOR points, while in BC, the camera tickets can affect your NSC record. If you drive a commercial vehicle, chances are that your boss knows about it.
The Police Officer Reality Check
Never get the wrong idea from the lenient nature of cameras. In case the police officer spots you crossing a red light in either state and stops you, the administrative loophole becomes irrelevant. A ticket for running a red light issued by the police officer will cost you an equally substantial fine along with 2 to 3 demerit points, a conviction, and most likely increased insurance premiums.
Closing Thoughts
Traffic cameras are merely monetary fines imposed as a form of punishment to keep motorists from committing acts that could be considered reckless behavior on the roads without clogging the courts with issues involving insurance or demerits. Should one come into your mailbox in British Columbia or Ontario, breathe a sigh of relief and know that your driver’s license is safe, and your insurance provider will never find out.
