Demerit points, tickets and licence suspension in Prince Edward Island

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how points reach your record.
• You can state the suspension levels for Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3 and experienced drivers.
• You can name offences that carry the highest points.
• You can describe the courses linked to the demerit system.

What you need to know and understand

• Stage 1: any conviction that carries demerit points suspends your permit for one month.
• Stage 2: warning at 3 to 5 points; 6 or more in your first year brings a one-month suspension and probation.
• Stage 3: warning at 5 to 8 points; 9 or more in your second year brings a one-month suspension and probation.
• GDL drivers convicted of a seatbelt, passenger or hand-held device offence are suspended for one month for a first offence and three months after that.
• Experienced drivers: warning letter at 6 to 8 points, an interview or show-cause at 9 to 11, and a three-month suspension at 12 or more within two years.
• Suspensions in GDL add time to your stage.

Sample point values

The handbook lists a sample of offences and their points. These are some of the ones new drivers should know.

• 12 points: failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, dangerous driving.
• 9 points: racing another vehicle.
• 6 points: speeding 30 km/h or more but less than 60 km/h over the limit.
• 5 points: using a hand-held device while driving (according to the province's distracted driving page).
• 3 points: speeding under 30 km/h over, failing to yield the right of way, passing a cyclist without the required distance, failing to report a collision, improper passing.

What happens after a suspension

An experienced driver suspended under the demerit system is placed on probation for a year, and a traffic conviction during that year can bring another three-month suspension. GDL drivers on probation who pick up more points face further suspensions decided by the Registrar. Anyone suspended under the demerit system must also complete the Driver Improvement Course. Driving while suspended carries 6 demerit points and can lead to your vehicle being impounded.

Ways to protect your record

• Drive within the limit and adjust for conditions.
• Keep your phone out of reach and every passenger buckled.
• Passing a Canada Safety Council Defensive Driving Course can earn drivers with up to 11 points three merit points, no more than once every 24 months.

Common mistakes

• Thinking a small speeding ticket does not matter on a permit. For a Stage 1 driver any demerit offence means a one-month suspension.
• Assuming points disappear when you pay the fine. Paying means the conviction and points go on your record.
• Forgetting that seatbelt, passenger and phone offences suspend GDL drivers even without many points.
• Ignoring a warning letter. The next ticket can bring a suspension.

Test yourself: Demerit points, tickets and licence suspension in Prince Edward Island

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• How to Get a Driver’s Licence in PEI
• PEI Knowledge Test, Vision Test and Novice Driver Course
• PEI road signs, pavement markings and work zones study guide