Point DutyTraffic Court Defence and Legal Services
Highway Traffic Act s.136

Disobey Stop Sign charges in Toronto, Ontario.

Failure to come to a full and complete stop at a stop sign. Three demerit points and an insurance impact — defendable on signage visibility, the officer's vantage point, and identification.

Courthouse
Toronto Provincial Offences Court
Court Phone
(416) 338-7000
Consultation
Free & Confidential
i.

What the charge means

Section 136 of the Highway Traffic Act requires every driver approaching a stop sign to come to a full stop at the marked stop line, the crosswalk, or immediately before entering the intersection. A 'rolling stop' is not a stop within the meaning of the section.

ii.

Penalties

Set fine of $110 plus victim fine surcharge and court costs (approximately $160 total). 3 demerit points on conviction. Insurance impact is typically a 5–15% increase for three years.

iii.

Available defences

  • Officer's view of the stop line was obstructed
  • The vehicle did come to a complete stop, however brief
  • Sign visibility (obscured by foliage, weather, or another vehicle)
  • Identification of the driver
  • Charter — unlawful stop or detention
iv.

The process

Provincial Offences Court. Most matters resolve at Early Resolution with a reduction in fine or to a non-demerit offence.

v.

Notes for Toronto

Toronto's POA matters are heard at 137 Edward Street; summary criminal charges are heard at the new Toronto Courthouse on Armoury Street, College Park, and the Ontario Court of Justice at Old City Hall (where still in operation). We appear at all of them.

Toronto Provincial Offences Court

137 Edward Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A8
(416) 338-7000

Charged with disobey stop sign?

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