Speeding is by far the most common traffic ticket given out in Canada. Do you know which traffic tickets will increase your insurance rates? Will photo radar and police issued tickets have the same impact on your insurance and driving record?
How Does Photo Radar Work?
Photo radar is a traffic enforcement tool that uses cameras to take pictures of cars that break speeding laws. When the computer detects a speeding car, the computer triggers a camera. The camera then takes a photograph of the speeding vehicle. The license plate information is then registered. This information will identify the registered owner of the vehicle. The vehicle’s owner will then receive a ticket.
Police Issued Tickets and Your Insurance
A speeding ticket issued by a law enforcement officer can result in a variety of negative outcomes. A fine, an increase in your car insurance, and a loss of demerit points. Insurance companies can charge you for a speeding ticket up to three years from your conviction date. More speeding tickets during that time can lead to a further increase your insurance rates.
Photo Radar Tickets and Your Insurance
Police issued tickets and convictions will increase your car insurance rates. However, photo radar tickets have no effect on your auto insurance rates. In Alberta, tickets issued through photo radar do not impact a driver’s insurance rates or add demerit points to your license. The ticket will not affect your insurance because it’s assigned to the vehicle. Since it’s not possible on confirm the identity of the driver, a guilty plea will not result in any demerit points.
Automated enforcement tickets do not affect your driving record.
How are photo radar enforcement sites selected?
Sites are chosen based on guidelines set out by the Province of Alberta. The selection of photo radar sites is based on the following:
- High speed corridors
- High collision locations
- School and playground zones
- Construction zones
- Citizen concerns
What Happens If I Get A Photo Radar Ticket?
A ticket from a red light or photo radar will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The owner will receive a Notice of Offence in the mail along with images. One you receive this you have three options. Pay the voluntary payment, plead not guilty, or appear before a justice.
Question About How Traffic Tickets Affect Your Auto Insurance?
To find out how your traffic tickets could affect your auto insurance premiums, contact Armour Insurance. For a free quote on your car insurance click below.
