The Demerit Point System was created for drivers who abuse their privilege of driving and must improve their behaviour when in that environment
The Demerit Point System was created for drivers who abuse their privilege of driving and must improve their behaviour when in that environment. Street Racing is a very serious and aggressive form of driving, showing the carelessness and disregard of pedestrians and other drivers. When Street Racing occurs unlawfully it can result in being charged under the Criminal Code of Canada which can also lead to the driver obtaining Demerit Points.
Primarily, when a driver is convicted of driving-related offences, they can obtain Demerit Points which stay on their record for two years from the date of the offence. If too many points are accumulated on the record this risks the suspension of a driving license. G1 and G2 drivers that have two or more Demerit Points will receive a warning letter. This will remain until six points have been accumulated, resulting in an interview where the offender’s record will be discussed and if nine or more points are collected the license will be suspended for 60 days with the possibility of losing a license if failed to surrender it to the Ministry of Transportation and the amount of Demerit Points will reduce to four. Fully licensed drivers will receive a warning letter when six points have been accumulated, at nine points an interview will be conducted to review and discuss the driver’s record and a driver re-examination may also be completed. Failure to attend an interview or pass a re-examination may also result in license suspension. Additionally, when a driver has gained 15 Demerit Points their license will be suspended for 30 days and the Demerit Points will reduce to seven.
Furthermore, Street Racing including contests and stunts have exceptions for rallies under the control of the Canadian Association of Rally Sport, under the administration of a club or association approved in writing by the Ministry, or with the written approval of road authorities having control over the highways used. An event held on a closed course with the written approval of the road authority having jurisdiction over the highway, including any event lawfully using any of the trademarks “CART”, “Formula One”, “Indy”, “IndyCar”, “IRL” or “NASCAR” also has the right to race or perform stunts.
To conclude, Street Racing can risk the accumulation of six Demerit Points which would result in an interview for a newly licensed driver and a warning letter for fully licensed drivers. The more Demerit Points a driver has gained will cause a higher insurance rate, and suspension or losing of driving license. This is reasonable because Street Racing can increase the risk of collision, permitting the possibility of death or injury and is a charge under the Criminal Code of Canada.
