Pasternak Legal Services

09/08/2026

🚨 G1 & G2 DRIVERS — A TRAFFIC TICKET CAN HAVE BIGGER CONSEQUENCES THAN YOU THINK 🚨

If you’re a novice driver in Ontario with a G1 or G2 licence, the consequences of a traffic conviction can be much more serious than just a fine and demerit points.

⚠️ If you are convicted of a Highway Traffic Act offence that carries 4 or more demerit points, Ontario’s Novice Driver Escalating Sanctions may apply.

For qualifying convictions, the consequences can include:

✅ First occurrence: 30-day licence suspension
✅ Second occurrence: 90-day licence suspension
✅ Third occurrence: Your novice licence may be cancelled, requiring you to restart the graduated licensing process.

This can apply to offences such as certain higher-level speeding charges, following too closely, failing to stop for a school bus, careless driving and other offences carrying 4 or more demerit points.

And remember — novice drivers also face separate consequences for accumulating demerit points. Reaching 9 or more demerit points can result in a 60-day licence suspension.

📌 The charge written on your ticket is not necessarily the final outcome.

Before simply paying a ticket, it is important to understand how a conviction could affect your licence — especially if you are a G1 or G2 driver.

⚖️ Pasternak Legal Services
Ontario Highway Traffic Act Defence

📩 Contact us to discuss your traffic ticket and your options

08/21/2026

CARELESS DRIVING:

Under section 130(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, “Every person is guilty of the offense of driving carelessly who drives a vehicle or streetcar on a highway without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway.” A conviction can mean a fine of 400 to 2,000 dollars, six demerit points, up to six months in jail, and a possible license suspension for up to two years. The penalty range is the same regardless of whether it is a first or subsequent offence, though prior record can influence the sentence within that range. If proceed by Part III summons, that’s a formal court process requiring a court appearance, not an extra penalty or a different sentencing range. Before you pay the ticket, reach out. A conviction can drastically affect your insurance. Contact me first to discuss your options. Pasternak Legal Services - defending Ontario Highway Traffic Act charges. Free 30-minute consultation.

08/17/2026

🚨 GOT A SPEED CAMERA OR RED-LIGHT CAMERA TICKET? DON’T JUST ASSUME YOU SHOULD PAY IT. 🚨

One of the biggest misconceptions about camera-issued traffic tickets is that they affect your driving record the same way as a ticket handed to you by a police officer.

They don’t.

📸 With a red-light camera ticket — and with automated speed-camera tickets when they were issued in Ontario — the charge is based on the licence plate and registered owner of the vehicle, because the camera does not establish who was actually driving.

That means:

✅ No demerit points
✅ No conviction placed on the driver’s driving record
✅ The registered owner is generally responsible for the monetary penalty, regardless of who was driving

But here’s the important part:

⚠️ “It doesn’t affect my driving record, so I’ll just pay it” isn’t necessarily the best approach.

Paying a ticket means resolving it without first considering whether there are issues with the evidence, the notice, the circumstances of the alleged offence, or what legal options may be available.

Before simply paying, get legal advice and understand your options.

A consultation can help determine whether the ticket should be challenged, whether another resolution may be available, or whether paying it actually makes the most sense in your particular circumstances.

📞 Pasternak Legal Services
⚖️ Ontario Highway Traffic Act Defence

Know what you’re paying — and know your options before you pay it.

Every case is different. This post provides general information and is not legal advice.

08/16/2026

📱 HAND-HELD DEVICE TICKETS IN ONTARIO — WHAT DRIVERS SHOULD KNOW

Think you’re allowed to check your phone while stopped at a red light? Think again.

Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, drivers are prohibited from holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device while driving — and that includes while stopped in traffic or at a red light.

Simply holding the phone can be enough to result in a charge. You do not necessarily have to be texting or making a call.

For a fully licensed driver, a first conviction can result in:

⚠️ $615 if the ticket is settled out of court
⚠️ 3 demerit points
⚠️ A 3-day licence suspension

Penalties become more serious for subsequent convictions.

✅ Hands-free use is permitted in certain circumstances.
✅ A securely mounted device may be used in limited ways.
🚫 Holding the device in your hand while driving can lead to a charge.

If you receive a hand-held communication device ticket, remember: a charge is not the same as a conviction. The evidence and circumstances of each case should be reviewed before deciding how to proceed.

Pasternak Legal Services
Ontario Highway Traffic Act Matters

This post is for general educational information only and is not legal advice

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

Have you received a traffic ticket or been charged with a provincial offence? Before paying the fine, it’s important to understand that doing so is an admission of guilt and may result in demerit points, licence suspensions, increased insurance premiums, or other lasting consequences, depending on the offence. Every matter is unique, and there may be options worth considering before making a decision.” “Pasternak Legal Services is committed to providing knowledgeable, professional representation and practical legal advice. I offer a complimentary thirty-minute consultation to review your situation, explain the process, and discuss potential next steps so you can make an informed decision. Contact me today to schedule your free consultation.”
647 825 8905
[email protected]

08/25/2022

Now serving all of Elgin County and London/Middlesex area

All traffic violations such as speeding/
Fail to wear Seatbelt/drive no insurance/stop sign/stunt driving/fail to provide insurance card/permit/red light/speeding cameras/fail to move for an emergency vehicle and more...

Call or text me for your free 30min consultation on your charge.