PEI's Demerit Point System Explained: How to Keep a Clean Driving Record
As a driver in Prince Edward Island, your license is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to drive safely. To promote and enforce road safety, the province uses a demerit point system to track driving convictions. Understanding how this system works is essential for all drivers, especially new ones, as accumulating too many points can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension.
This guide will break down the PEI demerit point system, explaining how points are assigned, what happens when they add up, and how you can maintain a clean and safe driving record.
What is the Purpose of the Demerit Point System?
The demerit point system is a tool used by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to identify drivers who repeatedly violate traffic laws. The system isn't designed to punish drivers—the fines from the ticket serve that purpose. Instead, the points create a formal record. If a driver accumulates too many points in a short period, it signals to the Registrar that intervention, such as a warning or suspension, may be necessary to improve that driver's behavior and protect the public.
Points are added to your driving record after you are convicted of a moving traffic violation (i.e., after you pay the fine or are found guilty in court). These points remain on your active record for two years from the date of the conviction.
How Demerit Points Are Assigned
The number of points you receive is based on the seriousness of the traffic offense. More dangerous actions carry a higher point value.
Here are some common traffic violations and their demerit point values in Prince Edward Island:
| Demerit Points | Common Offenses |
|---|---|
| 12 Points | Failing to stop for police; Failing to remain at the scene of an accident |
| 10 Points | Careless driving |
| 8 Points | Failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing |
| 6 Points | Speeding 50 km/h or more over the limit; Racing |
| 5 Points | Failing to yield the right-of-way; Following too closely (tailgating) |
| 4 Points | Speeding 31-49 km/h over the limit |
| 3 Points | Speeding 16-30 km/h over the limit; Failing to report a collision to police |
| 2 Points | Improper turns; Failing to signal; Failing to wear a seatbelt |
This is not a complete list. A full schedule is available from Access PEI.
The Consequences of Accumulating Points
The actions taken by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles depend on how many points you have accumulated within a two-year period.
- 3 - 5 Points: You will be sent a warning letter in the mail. This letter serves as a formal notice that you are accumulating points and should improve your driving habits.
- 6 - 9 Points: You will receive a second, more serious letter requiring you to attend an interview with a driver improvement officer to discuss your record.
- 10 or more Points: Your driver's license will be suspended. The length of the suspension depends on your previous record, but a first-time suspension is typically for three months.
Stricter Rules for New Drivers (GDL Program)
The demerit point system is even more critical for new drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. Accumulating points can not only lead to the consequences listed above but may also result in an extension of the time you must spend in the GDL program. A serious conviction or suspension could force you to start the program over again.
Defensive Driving Course and Point Reduction
Prince Edward Island offers a path for drivers to be proactive about their record.
- Point Reduction: If you have accumulated between 3 and 9 demerit points, you may be eligible to take a government-approved Defensive Driving Course. Upon successful completion, 3 points will be removed from your record. This can be done once every two years. This is an excellent way to prevent your points from reaching the suspension level.
The Impact on Your Insurance Premiums
This is a critical, often misunderstood consequence. Insurance companies do not set your rates based directly on demerit points. They set your rates based on the number and severity of convictions on your driving record.
A conviction for a minor offense with 2 or 3 points will likely cause your insurance premiums to increase. A conviction for a major offense with many points (like careless driving or failing to stop for a school bus) will cause your rates to skyrocket and could even make it difficult to find insurance coverage at all.
The best strategy is to avoid getting convictions and points in the first place. Obey all traffic laws, drive defensively, and stay focused. A clean record is your ticket to safety, freedom, and affordable insurance on PEI.
