Provincial Offences Court - Frequently Asked Questions

General information

Provincial offence notices

  • Who can issue Provincial Offence notices or tickets?

    There are many enforcement agencies in Niagara who can issue you a ticket, including:

    • CN Rail Police
    • City Bylaw Enforcement
    • City Fire Services
    • Lincoln County Humane Society
    • Ministry of Environment
    • Ministry of Finance
    • Ministry of Labour
    • Ministry of Natural Resources
    • Ministry of Transportation
    • Niagara Parks Police
    • Niagara Regional Police
    • Niagara Region Public Health
    • Niagara SPCA
    • Ontario Provincial Police
    • Public Health Agency of Canada
    • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
    • Any other designated Provincial Offences Officer
  • What are the different types of Provincial Offence notices?

    There are three different types of Provincial Offence notices:

  • What does it mean when I receive a ticket (Part 1 offence) with a court date written on the bottom of my ticket but no fine amount?

    When there is no fine amount written on the ticket, you must appear in court at the time and on the date assigned. If you do not attend, a trial will be scheduled in your absence and you will not receive any further notice.

  • What options do I have if I get a ticket?

    Review your ticket and the options provided on the ticket itself. The court is bound by those three options.

    Option 1: Plea of Guilty - Payment Out of Court
    If choosing Option 1, you can complete payment using one of the following options:

    • PayTickets.ca
    • Call 905-687-6590 to pay with Visa, MasterCard or a prepaid credit card
    • Mail a cheque or money order to 445 East Main St., Welland, ON L3B 3X7. Cheques should be made payable to the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
    • Pay in person at 445 East Main St., Welland

    Option 2: Early Resolution Meeting
    To select Option 2, confirm your address is correct on your ticket and then complete one of the following:

    • Visit ontario.ca/ticketsandfines to request a meeting online to resolve your case and track your progress
    • Check the box for Option 2 on your ticket. Take a picture of the ticket and email to POAInfo@niagararegion.ca or Fax 905-687-6614
    • Check the box for Option 2 on your ticket and deliver via mail or in-person to the Niagara Region Courthouse at 445 East Main St., Welland, ON L3B 3X7

    Option 3: Trial Option (Not Guilty)
    If choosing Option 3 to request a trial, be sure to check the box under Option 3 and complete the Notice of Intention to Appear form, then send it to the courthouse using one of the following options:

    • Email POAInfo@niagararegion.ca
    • Fax 905-687-6614
    • Mail or deliver in person to 445 East Main St., Welland, ON L3B 3X7
  • What happens if I don't do anything after I have received a ticket?

    The charge will be placed on a Fail to Respond docket. Your offence notice will be reviewed and you may be convicted in your absence. Once you have been convicted it is too late to choose any of the options indicated on the back of your ticket.

  • Why are there two amounts on my ticket?

    At the bottom of every ticket there are two different amounts shown, the set fine and the total payable. The difference between these two amounts is called the Victim Fine Surcharge and is imposed by the provincial government.

    The amount of the Victim Fine Surcharge is based on a sliding scale depending on the amount of the fine and is added to every fine that is given under the Provincial Offences Act (except parking fines). Proceeds from the surcharge are used to maintain assistance programs for victims of crime.

Vision Zero - automated speed enforcement

  • What is automated speed enforcement?

    Automated speed enforcement is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device. The device detects and captures images of vehicles travelling more than the posted speed limit. This safety tool complements traditional police activities by enforcing safer speeds. It works alongside other methods and strategies including engineering measures and education initiatives.Automated speed enforcement focuses on altering driver behaviour to decrease speeding.

    Automated speed enforcement devices are installed as part of the Vision Zero Road Safety Initiative.

  • How does automated speed enforcement work?

    An automated speed enforcement unit takes an image and records the speed of any vehicle travelling over the posted speed limit. The camera stores the images which are then reviewed by a Provincial Offences officer. The officer will determine if a ticket should be issued. Tickets are issued to the owner of the vehicle, even if they were not the one driving at the time.

  • If I receive a ticket in the mail, what are my options?

    See what options you have if you get a ticket.

  • How long does it take to get a speeding ticket in the mail?

    Automated speed enforcement tickets are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. Tickets are sent by mail to the last address on file with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Expect tickets to arrive within 30 days or less of when the violation takes place.

  • How much is the fine?

    The fines for speeding are set by statute. They are based on the number of kilometres over the speed limit your vehicle was travelling. The total payable fine will include the set fine, a victim surcharge (an amount based on the set fine) and a $5 court cost.

  • Are there demerit points for an automated speed enforcement ticket?

    There are no demerit points for an automated speed enforcement camera charge, however, if the fine goes unpaid, the license plate of the vehicle cannot be renewed.

  • Will an automated speed enforcement ticket affect my insurance?

    While tickets issued will not affect demerit points, a speeding ticket, whether issued by a police officer or through a camera, could affect your insurance. Individuals should consult with their insurance company about potential impact.

Payments

Trials / appeals

Demerit points / licence suspensions

Complaints

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