Paying fines for offences issued by the Ontario Court of Justice can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some quick answers to common questions about paying Ontario Court of Justice fines:
What types of offences result in fines from the Ontario Court of Justice?
The Ontario Court of Justice handles a wide variety of provincial offence matters. Some of the most common types of offences that result in fines include:
- Traffic violations like speeding, careless driving, etc.
- Liquor licence offenses
- Environmental offenses
- Workplace safety violations
- Trespassing
- Noise violations
If you are issued a ticket by a police officer or provincial offences officer, it will be a provincial offence ticket that will be handled by the Ontario Court of Justice.
How do I know how much my fine is?
The amount of your fine will be indicated on the ticket you received. Fines can range anywhere from $60 to several hundred dollars or more, depending on the severity of the offence. The ticket will specify the “set fine” amount.
In some cases, the justice of the peace may impose a higher fine if you are convicted. However, you will receive notice if the prosecutor is seeking a fine higher than the set fine before your court appearance.
What are my options for paying my fine?
You have three options for paying an Ontario Court of Justice fine:
- Pay the ticket voluntarily – You can pay the fine as soon as you receive the ticket, without having to make a court appearance. You can pay online, by mail, phone, or in person at the court office.
- Submit an early resolution meeting with the prosecutor – For some less serious offences, you may qualify for a reduction in your fine. You will meet with the prosecutor to discuss your case.
- Contest the ticket in court – If you want to challenge the ticket, you can request a trial before a justice of the peace.
How do I pay my fine voluntarily?
To pay your fine voluntarily, you must pay the full “set fine” amount indicated on your ticket. You have several payment options:
- Online – Pay online using a credit card. There is a small service fee.
- By mail – Detach the payment stub from your ticket and mail it with a cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. Include your ticket number.
- In person – Pay in cash, cheque, debit or credit card at any court office in Ontario.
- By phone – Pay by credit card over the phone.
You must pay the fine within 15 days of receiving your ticket to avoid late penalties. If paying by mail or in person, keep your receipt as proof of payment.
How do I request an early resolution meeting?
If you have a less serious offence, like a traffic ticket, you may be eligible to meet with a prosecutor to discuss a reduction in your fine. To request an early resolution meeting:
- Complete the back of your ticket and indicate you want to meet with a prosecutor.
- Attend the court office on the date specified on your ticket.
- Meet with the prosecutor and discuss your case. They may offer you a reduced fine if you plead guilty.
- If you accept the deal, you pay the reduced fine immediately.
Not all tickets are eligible for an early resolution meeting. Offences like impaired driving charges are ineligible.
How do I contest my ticket and go to trial?
If you want to plead not guilty and fight your ticket, you must:
- Complete the back of your ticket and indicate you wish to go to trial.
- Attend court on the date specified on your ticket.
- Enter a plea before the justice of the peace.
- Your matter will be set for a trial date where you can present your full case.
If you are found guilty at trial, you will have to pay the set fine and you may have to pay an additional victim surcharge.
What happens if I don’t pay my fine on time?
You must pay your fine within 15 days of receiving your ticket, unless you requested a meeting with the prosecutor or elected to go to trial. If you do not pay on time, late penalties will apply:
- After 15 days, a $20 late payment fee is added.
- After 30 days, a $40 late payment fee is added.
- After 45 days, a $50 late payment fee is added.
If you still do not pay, additional collection enforcement measures can be taken, including:
- Notification to the Ministry of Transportation, which may suspend your driver’s licence.
- Notification to the Canada Revenue Agency, which may garnish your income tax refund.
- Referral to a collection agency.
- A default conviction registered on your record.
Can I get an extension to pay my fine?
If you need more time to pay your fine, you can request an extension before the due date by contacting the court office in writing. Be sure to include your ticket number and why you require an extension.
Extensions may be granted in cases of financial hardship or extenuating circumstances. However, you will still be required to pay late payment fees that accrue until the fine is paid in full.
What if I can’t afford to pay my fine?
If you do not have the financial means to pay your fine, even on an extended timeline, you may be eligible for a fine reduction. To request a reduction, you must:
- Complete a Form 9 – Application for Fine Reduction.
- File it with the court office and provide financial documentation.
- Attend a hearing where a justice of the peace will decide if you qualify for a reduced fine based on your financial situation.
You must provide evidence like pay statements, bank statements, and bills to establish that the set fine would cause undue hardship.
Can I get my fine withdrawn or dismissed?
In very limited circumstances, you may be able to get your fine withdrawn, meaning you do not have to pay it and it will not appear on your record. This is extremely rare and only occurs if:
- The ticket was issued to you in error.
- There was an irregularity in how the ticket was issued.
You would have to file a motion to the court explaining the exceptional circumstances that justify withdrawing your fine. This usually requires hiring legal counsel.
Conclusion
Paying fines from the Ontario Court of Justice is straightforward if you act promptly and understand your options. Voluntarily paying the set fine on time is usually the simplest approach. If you cannot pay, need more time, or want to dispute your ticket, make sure to follow the proper steps outlined above. Taking responsibility for resolving fines quickly can help avoid unnecessary complications and additional penalties down the road.