Pay an Automated Traffic Penalty

Is there a speed threshold before receiving a penalty order? 
Any speed exceeding the posted limit can result in a penalty.

Who is issued the penalty order? 
The penalty order is issued to the registered plate holder of the vehicle.

Why does the registered plate holder receive the penalty order instead of the person who was driving when the ticket was issued? 
The technology does not capture images of the driver, only the license plate. Therefore, a penalty order can only be issued to the registered plate holder.

What should I do if I lose my penalty order? 
The registered plate owner can contact the Administrative Penalty Tribunal at 1-888-448-0000 for assistance. Have the license plate number ready when calling.

What options does someone have if they receive a penalty order?
There are two options:

1. Pay the penalty order within 30 days of the deemed service date
2. Request a Screening Review within 30 days of the deemed service date

What is the maximum number of penalty orders someone can receive?
There is no maximum number of penalty orders someone can receive. A penalty order will be issued each time their vehicle exceeds the speed limit when a municipal speed camera is in use.

How are automated speed enforcement penalty orders processed?
When a vehicle is caught speeding, the system takes a picture. A provincial offences officer reviews the image. The penalty order is then mailed to the vehicle's registered plate owner. 

What are the monetary amounts for an automated speed enforcement penalty order? 
The penalty includes a set fine determined by the Chief Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice, court costs and a victim surcharge. The set fine varies based on how much the vehicle exceeded the speed limit. For example, fines within a Community Safety Zone are:

• 1-19 km/h over the maximum speed limit is $5.00 per km
• 20-29 km/h over the maximum speed limit is $7.50 per km
• 30-49 km/h over the maximum speed limit is $12.00 per km
• 50 km/h or more over the maximum speed limit is $19.50 per km

More information can be found on the Ontario Regulation 355/22 page, under the Highway Traffic Act.

Does a penalty order affect my insurance?
No. Since penalty orders go to the vehicle’s registered owner, the driver responsible for the infraction does not receive demerit points. 

What happens if I do not pay my penalty order?
If you don't pay your penalty order within 30 days, you'll face additional costs, including a $20.00 Ministry of Transportation fee. You may also be unable to renew your vehicle permit until the penalty order and fees are fully paid.

Why is there a victim surcharge on penalty orders?   
The surcharge is required by Ontario Regulation 355/22. Municipalities collect these fees to support services and programs for victims of crime.

Why is there a license plate search fee on penalty orders?
The license plate search fee is set by the Province. It covers the cost for authorized personnel to access the name and latest address of the person subject to the penalty order.

If the penalty order goes to the registered plate holder, what about people who rent cars?
Most rental agreements include a clause that enables rental agencies to pass any fines incurred to the driver.

Why is there a delay in receiving penalty orders?

York Region is following Provincial regulations by issuing penalty orders within 23 days of a speeding offence. These regulations require that penalty orders be processed and mailed to the vehicle owner.

How will privacy for the information collected by the automated speed enforcement system be maintained?

The data collected by the system is encrypted and can only be accessed by an image processing software by a provincial offence officer.

Note: The Administrative Penalties Tribunal (APT) can only address penalty orders. Provincial Offence Notices, issued prior to the launch of the APT, must be directed to Court Services.

What is a Screening Review?

A screening review is an opportunity to dispute a penalty order without going to court.  A Screening Officer will review your case and decide whether to confirm, vary or cancel the penalty. Each review is 15-minutes and you require an appointment. 

How do I request Screening Review? 

Request a Screening Review. You must request a Screening Review within 30 days of the deemed service date on your penalty order.

How is a Screening Review conducted?        

You can request a review to be conducted in writing (by email), or subject to availability, virtually or by phone. You must select an available review option.  If you require an accommodation for in person, please contact us. 

What happens during a Screening Review?

A Screening Officer will review the details of your case, including any evidence you provide, and make a decision. 

What kind of evidence can I submit?

You can provide documents, photos, witness statements or other relevant information that supports your case. The more details you provide, the better the Screening Officer can assess your request.  

How long do I have to request a Screening Review?  

You must submit your request within 30 days of the deemed service date listed on your penalty order. 

What are the possible outcomes of a Screening Review?

The Screening Officer may:

• Confirm the penalty (no change)
• Vary the penalty  
• Cancel the penalty (if an error or valid defence is found) 

Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. If you believe the Screening Officer’s decision is unreasonable, you can request a Hearing Review before a Hearing Officer, whose decision is final. 

Does requesting a Screening Review pause the payment deadline?

Yes. Payment is paused while the dispute is in progress. However, if the penalty is confirmed, you will need to pay by the new due date provided in the in decision. 

Can someone else attend the Screening Review on my behalf?

Yes, you can authorize someone to represent you, such as a family member, friend or legal representative. You will need to complete the Authorized to Act on Behalf online. 

What happens if I miss my Screening Review appointment?

If you miss your scheduled Screening Review, the penalty will be confirmed, and an additional $60 fee will be added to the amount due.

What happens if I don’t pay the amount set out in the screening decision?

If you don’t pay or request a hearing review within 30 days of the due date, your Ontario vehicle plate permit will not be renewed. Renewal will only happen once all penalties and fees are paid.

Do you provide language interpreters?

No, you need to provide your own interpreter if required. 

What is a Hearing Review?

A Hearing Review is an appeal process where a Hearing Officer reviews the reasonableness of the decision made during your Screening Review. The Hearing Officer will determine whether to confirm, vary or cancel the penalty. Hearing decisions are final.

Can I present new evidence at a Hearing Review?

No. A Hearing Review is based on the same evidence submitted during the Screening Review. No new evidence or arguments can be introduced.

How do I request a Hearing Review?

You must submit a request within the timeframe provided in your Screening Review decision. Instructions on how to request a Hearing Review will be included in that decision.

How is a Hearing Review conducted?

A Hearing Review may take place virtually or in writing (by email). You will have the opportunity to explain why you believe the Screening Officer’s decision was unreasonable.

What is the role of the Hearing Officer?

The Hearing Officer is an independent adjudicator, not a York Region employee. They can confirm, vary or cancel the penalty. Their role is to review the Screening Officer’s decision, not new evidence.

What are the possible outcomes of a Hearing Review?

• Confirm the Screening Review decision (no change to the penalty)
• Vary the penalty
• Cancel the penalty (if an error was found in the original decision)

Is the Hearing Officer’s decision final?

Yes, the Hearing Officer's decision is final. There are no further appeal options.

Will requesting a Hearing Review pause my payment deadline?

Yes. Payment is paused while the dispute is in progress. However, if the penalty is confirmed, you will need to pay by the new due date provided in the in decision.

Can someone else attend the Hearing Review on my behalf?

Yes, you can authorize someone to represent you, such as a family member, friend or legal representative. You will need to complete the Authorized to Act on Behalf online.

What happens if I miss my Hearing Review appointment?

If you miss your Hearing Review, the decision from the Screening Review will remain final and you will be responsible for payment. No further appeals will be allowed.