Careless Driving Fine Calculator

Careless driving under Section 130 of the Highway Traffic Act carries 6 demerit points — the maximum possible — a fine of $400–$2,000 (up to $50,000 if bodily harm or death results), and a potential licence suspension of up to 2 years. If bodily harm or death is involved, imprisonment of up to 2 years is also possible.

A careless driving conviction typically raises auto insurance premiums by 50–100% and can result in non-renewal in standard markets, forcing drivers into the high-risk (Facility) market at 2–3x standard rates. The surcharge persists for 3–6 years. The 6 demerit points also push many drivers toward suspension threshold.

Careless driving is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act — no criminal record results. Dangerous driving is a Criminal Code offence that can result in imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. The key distinction is intent and degree of risk: dangerous driving requires proof of a marked departure from the standard of a reasonable driver.