What are my options if I receive a certificate of offence?
You must choose one of the following three options within 15 days, otherwise you are deemed not to dispute the charge and a guilty plea may be entered in your absence. Please note: if you received a penalty order for a speed camera offence, please visit the Administrative Penalties Program page to review the options for penalty orders.
Option 1: Plea of guilty - voluntary payment of total payable
You are stating that you are guilty and you must pay the total payable at the bottom of your ticket. You can pay the fine in person, by phone, online, or by mail. Payment can be made by credit card, money order, cheque or Visa/Mastercard debit. For your protection, please do not send cash by mail.
Option 2: Early resolution - meet with Prosecutor
You can meet with a Prosecutor to discuss the possible resolution of the charge by requesting an appointment online or by checking off the box on the ticket and mailing it to the court. You will be sent a meeting notice to the address on file. Appointments are scheduled either in person or remotely, by phone or by zoom. You will be provided the contact information to call or zoom in for your appointment. You must notify the court if your address changes. Guide to defendants.
Option 3: Not guilty - trial option
If you decide that you are not guilty and would like a trial, you or your representative, must complete a Notice of Intention to Appear (NIA form) and return it to the court by email or by fax 519-745-0520. You will be notified of your upcoming trial by mail. Check the status of your court date, once a date is scheduled it will be available here. If you do not appear for trial, you may be convicted in your absence. Guide to defendants.
What if I decide to exercise Option 3 and I am unable to attend my trial date?
If you cannot attend your trial date, you can complete and return a first adjournment request and email it to the Trial Coordinator for a new date to be assigned. You can also visit the court and file a request for first adjournment or you can file a motion with the court to request an adjournment. The first adjournment must be accepted by the Prosecutor's Office and filed with the court ahead of the trial date before the date will be changed.
Why are there two amounts on my ticket?
A victim fine surcharge is levied on every Provincial Offence Act fine. This surcharge is imposed by the Provincial Government and is used to maintain and expand services to victims of crime.
What if I am convicted in absentia?
If you do not choose one of the options within 15 days, you are deemed to have failed to respond and do not wish to dispute the charge. As a result, you may be convicted of the offence and will be required to pay the total payable plus an additional cost. You can contact the court for options once a conviction has been registered.
What if I don't agree with the outcome of my trial?
If you disagree with the outcome of your trial, you can file an appeal within 30 days of the conviction. You can obtain the necessary appeal paperwork from the Provincial Offences Court and the paperwork will be filed at the Provincial Courthouse at 85 Frederick St. in Kitchener.
How can I obtain disclosure prior to my early resolution meeting or trial date?
The Prosecutor's Office will provide disclosure, which may include a copy of the officer's notes, witness statements, and/or accident reports if they are applicable to your charge. You can obtain disclosure by calling 519-575-4804 and choosing Option #1; by fax at 519-745-4967; or by email. Please be sure to include your first and last name, court date and time, early resolution or trial, offence number; your telephone number or your fax number (if requesting disclosure to be faxed). For general inquiries, email the Prosecutor's Office.
What if I receive a roadside summons?
If you receive a summons at the roadside or one is served on you at a later date, you must attend court in person or by zoom on the date and time indicated on your summons. You can also call 647-558-0588 with the meeting id: 931 6838 0776 and meeting passcode:629083. You cannot postpone or reschedule this mandatory court appearance.
Can I meet with a Crown Attorney regarding my summons?
Meetings with the Crown Attorney, including resolution discussions, can be booked by emailing cld.kitchenercrown.POA3@ontario.ca or by calling 226-220-9243. If you require an interpreter or would like to have an in-person meeting, please inform the person you speak with or indicate this preference in your email.
Why is my driver's licence suspended?
If you fail to pay your ticket by the due date, your driver's licence can be suspended. You will be notified of this suspension by the Ministry of Transportation. To have your driver's licence reinstated, all of the outstanding fines suspending the licence can be paid at any Service Ontario location (same day return) or you can pay at any Provincial Offences Court office (4 business day return). Service Ontario can only receive payment for fines that are already suspending. The Court can receive payment for all fines outstanding against the licence. The reinstatement fee is paid at Service Ontario. If your licence is suspended for anything other than unpaid fines, you must contact the Ministry of Transportation directly at 1-800-303-4993. To check the status of your licence, the Ministry of Transportation now has an online look-up.
How can I find more information about being a self-represented Defendant?
If you wish to dispute a ticket, please read the options carefully on your ticket. If you select Option #2 Early Resolution or Option #3 Trial, you can learn more about court processes by reviewing the Ontario Court of Justice Guide for Defendants in Provincial Offences Cases.
For more information on appeals check out the Guide to Appeals in Provincial Offences Cases.
How can I find more information on Municipal Speed Camera tickets?
The Region of Waterloo's Municipal Speed Camera Program supports our community’s goal to improve road safety by encouraging safer driving speeds, especially in school zones and community safety zones. Speed is a key factor in the severity of collisions and speed cameras are proven to reduce speeding, creating safer environments for all road users. For more information on local road safety initiatives, visit SaferoadsWR.com. For information on how to pay a ticket or request a review, visit the Administrative Penalties Program page.
How can I find more information on Red Light Camera tickets?
The Region of Waterloo uses Red Light Cameras (RLC) as a tool to help reduce the number of vehicles running red lights. The camera will take photographs of vehicles that enter the intersection against a red signal. Please visit the Red Light Camera page for more information.
