Licence Suspensions for G1 and G2 Drivers in Ontario

Novice drivers in Ontario, including G1 and G2 licence holders, must follow specific rules under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Failing to follow these rules can lead to licence suspensions, fines, demerit points, and even the requirement to restart the licensing process. If you are a novice driver, it is crucial to understand these regulations to avoid serious consequences.

What Are Novice Driver Rules in Ontario?

The Graduated Licensing System (GLS) in Ontario is designed to help new drivers gain experience under lower-risk conditions. G1 and G2 drivers must follow additional restrictions that do not apply to fully licensed (G) drivers. Violating any of these rules may result in a licence suspension or cancellation.

G1 Driver Restrictions:

• Must have a fully licensed driver (with at least four years of driving experience) in the front passenger seat.
• Cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM.
• Cannot drive on 400-series highways or expressways, unless accompanied by a licensed instructor.
• Zero alcohol and zero cannabis tolerance.
• No use of hand-held devices (e.g., cellphones, GPS, or other electronic devices).

G2 Driver Restrictions:

• Zero alcohol and zero cannabis tolerance.
• No use of hand-held devices (same as G1 restrictions).
• For drivers under 19, there are passenger restrictions:
  • Between midnight and 5 AM, they can only have one passenger under 19 (first six months).
  • After six months, they can carry up to three passengers under 19.
  • These restrictions do not apply if a fully licensed driver (G) is in the front seat.

Licence Suspensions for Novice Drivers

Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, any novice driver who violates these rules can face immediate and escalating penalties, including licence suspensions.

First Offence:

• 30-day suspension of the G1 or G2 licence.

Second Offence:

• 90-day suspension of the licence.

Third Offence:

• Licence cancellation – the driver must start the graduated licensing process from the beginning (G1 stage).

These penalties are separate from any demerit points or fines that may be issued for additional infractions (e.g., speeding, careless driving, stunt driving, etc.).

Additional Penalties for Novice Drivers

In addition to the graduated licensing suspensions, novice drivers are also subject to demerit point penalties and potential long-term consequences for certain infractions.

Demerit Points for Novice Drivers:

Novice drivers face a four-point limit before their licence is automatically suspended:

• 2 or more points: You will receive a warning letter from the Ministry of Transportation.
• 4 or more points: You may be required to attend an interview.
• 6 or more points: Immediate licence suspension.

Demerit points for common offences include:

• Speeding (30-49 km/h over the limit) – 4 points
• Failure to stop at a red light – 3 points
• Failure to obey a stop sign – 3 points
• Careless driving – 6 points (automatic suspension for novice drivers)

If a novice driver is caught stunt driving (e.g., 50 km/h over the speed limit in areas over 80 km/h, or 40 km/h over the limit in zones under 80 km/h), they face immediate roadside licence suspension for 30 days, a 14-day vehicle impoundment, and a potential one-year licence suspension upon conviction.

How to Reinstate a Suspended G1 or G2 Licence

If your novice licence is suspended, you must wait until the suspension period ends before you can drive again. Here’s how to reinstate your licence:

1. Pay the Reinstatement Fee – A fee of $281 must be paid to the Ministry of Transportation.
2. Complete Any Required Driver Training – If your licence was cancelled, you must restart at the G1 stage.
3. Reapply for a G1 Licence – If your licence was cancelled due to multiple offences, you will need to pass the G1 written test again.

How to Avoid Licence Suspensions as a Novice Driver

To keep your driving record clean and avoid suspensions:

• Follow all G1 and G2 licence restrictions.
• Drive within speed limits and obey road signs.
• Avoid distractions (e.g., using your phone while driving).
• Never drive after consuming alcohol or cannabis.
• Ensure you understand demerit point rules and suspension limits.
• Where a novice driver receives a novice driver violation they must fight the ticket to have it canceled or reduced to a non-novice driver violation.

If you receive a ticket or are at risk of suspension, legal representation may help in fighting charges and reducing penalties.