Ontario Licence Suspensions Explained: Every Type and How to Clear It (2026 Guide)
When your Ontario licence is suspended, the first thing to figure out is why. The reason decides how long the suspension lasts, which programs or tests you need, and what it takes to get back on the road.
Your Ministry of Transportation (MTO) notice or your driver record will show the suspension and its reason. This guide groups Ontario suspensions by type, in plain language. If your paperwork uses wording or a reference you don’t understand, ask ServiceOntario or a lawyer to explain exactly what applies to you.
Where Ontario Suspensions Come From
- Roadside: issued by police on the spot, for example for impaired driving, the warn range or stunt driving.
- Court-ordered: imposed after a conviction for certain driving offences.
- MTO letter: sent by the Ministry, for example for demerit points, unpaid fines or medical reasons.
The Main Types of Ontario Suspensions
1. Unpaid (Defaulted) Fines
Why: a court-ordered fine, such as a traffic ticket, went into default.
How to clear it: pay every defaulted fine and the $281 reinstatement fee. You can do this online or at ServiceOntario. If you’re eligible to drive once payment is complete, you can print a temporary licence right away.
2. Unpaid Family Support
Why: the Family Responsibility Office can have your licence suspended over unpaid support.
How to clear it: resolve the arrears or make an arrangement with the Family Responsibility Office, then complete reinstatement.
3. Demerit Points
Why: too many points from driving convictions.
- Full licence: warning letter at 6 to 8 points, a second warning at 9 to 14, and a 30-day suspension at 15 or more.
- Novice licence (G1, G2, M1, M2): warning letter at 2 to 5 points, a second warning at 6 to 8, and a 60-day suspension at 9 or more.
How to clear it: serve the suspension, complete any interview or tests MTO requires, and pay the reinstatement fee. Points stay on your record for two years from the offence date.
4. Impaired Driving (Roadside, 0.08 and Over, Refusal or Failed Test)
Why: blood alcohol over 0.08, failing or refusing a breath or sobriety test, or a failed drug evaluation.
What happens: an immediate 90-day suspension, a 7-day vehicle impoundment, a $550 penalty, and an education or treatment program. A third occurrence also brings a 6-month ignition interlock condition.
How to clear it: serve the 90 days, complete the required program and pay the reinstatement fee. If you’re convicted criminally, a separate court-ordered suspension follows, along with Ontario’s Back on Track program and usually an ignition interlock condition.
5. Warn Range (0.05 to 0.079)
Why: blood alcohol in the warn range, or failing a Standard Field Sobriety Test.
- First occurrence: 7-day suspension, 8-hour education course and a $250 penalty.
- Second occurrence: 14 days, 16-hour treatment program and $350.
- Third occurrence: 30 days, 16-hour treatment program, $450 and 6 months of ignition interlock.
6. Novice Driver Suspensions
Why: breaking novice rules. G1, G2, M1 and M2 drivers must have zero blood alcohol, for example. Novice drivers also face escalating penalties for offences worth 4 or more demerit points: a 30-day suspension the first time, 90 days the second time, and cancellation of the novice licence the third time.
How to clear it: serve the suspension, meet any testing or program requirements, and pay the reinstatement fee.
7. Stunt Driving and Street Racing
Why: stunt driving, which includes driving 50 km/h or more over the speed limit, or street racing.
What happens: an immediate roadside licence suspension and vehicle impoundment, with much longer suspensions on conviction.
How to clear it: serve the suspension, meet any court-ordered conditions, and pay the reinstatement fee.
8. Court-Ordered Suspensions After a Conviction
Why: a conviction for an offence such as impaired driving, dangerous driving, careless driving or driving while suspended.
How to clear it: serve the full court-ordered period and complete every condition attached to it, such as remedial programs, a driver improvement interview, retesting or interlock. Then pay the reinstatement fee.
9. Medical Suspensions
Why: a doctor or other professional reported a condition that may affect safe driving, or MTO needs medical information it hasn’t received.
How to clear it: provide the medical information MTO requests and wait for its decision. Testing may also be required. There is no reinstatement fee for medical suspensions.
10. Insurance and Other Administrative Suspensions
Why: examples include driving without valid insurance, or failing a required remedial program or vision report.
How to clear it: fix the underlying issue, for example by getting valid insurance or completing the program or report, then complete reinstatement.
Long Suspensions Mean Retesting
If a full G licence has been suspended for more than a year, Ontario requires an eye test at 1 to 3 years. At 3 to 10 years you need a knowledge test, an eye test and two road tests. After more than 10 years, you start over in the graduated licensing system. See what to bring to DriveTest after a suspension.
How to Clear Any Suspension: Step by Step
- Find out exactly why you’re suspended. Check your MTO notice or order your driver record. See our driver record guide.
- Serve the full suspension period.
- Complete every requirement: fines, programs, medical information, interlock, court conditions and tests.
- Pay the $281 reinstatement fee, unless your suspension is medical. You can pay online or at ServiceOntario.
- Confirm your licence is valid before you drive. Driving too early is driving while suspended. See why you should never drive before reinstatement.
Want to know how long all this will take? Read how long licence reinstatement takes in Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out why my Ontario licence is suspended?
Check the notice you received from police or the Ministry of Transportation, or order your 3-year driver record from ServiceOntario. It lists suspensions and reinstatements. ServiceOntario can also confirm your current status.
Do medical suspensions have a reinstatement fee?
No. The $281 reinstatement fee does not apply to medical suspensions.
How long is a demerit point suspension in Ontario?
30 days for a fully licensed driver at 15 or more points, and 60 days for a novice driver at 9 or more points.
Does paying my fines end my suspension?
Only if unpaid fines were the only reason for it and you also pay the $281 reinstatement fee. Other suspensions on your record must be cleared separately.
Can I clear a suspension online?
Many drivers can pay defaulted fines and the reinstatement fee online, and print a temporary licence if they are eligible to drive. Other requirements, such as programs, tests or medical reviews, must be completed first.
Related Guides
- How to Reinstate a Suspended Licence in Ontario: Step-by-Step
- What to Bring to DriveTest After a Licence Suspension in Ontario
- Ontario Driver’s Abstract and Driver Record: How to Read It and Fix Errors
- Why You Should Never Drive Before Your Licence Is Reinstated in Ontario
Talk to an Ontario Lawyer About Your Suspension
Every suspension is different, and a mistake can keep you off the road longer or lead to new charges. If you’re facing an impaired driving charge, a licence suspension or a driving-while-suspended charge, an experienced Ontario DUI lawyer can review your record and explain your options.
Find an Ontario DUI lawyer near you →
This article is general information about Ontario rules as of 2026 and is not legal advice. Fees, penalties and processes can change, so confirm your own requirements with ServiceOntario, the Ministry of Transportation or a lawyer.
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