Your driver’s licence is considered a privilege, not a right. When we sign up for a driver’s licence, we are also agreeing that we will comply with a whole range of road rules and conditions. It is not uncommon for people to lose their driver’s licence for breaking these road rules and conditions, without even being aware that these rules or conditions existed.

Unusual ways to lose your drivers licence:

  • If you hang a limb out the window- an elbow on the window ledge, a foot resting out the window- you can face a fine and the accumulation of demerit points.
  • If you use your horn in a non-emergency situation, you could be fined and accumulate demerit points.
  • If you drive through an orange light, but it is deemed you had enough time to stop, you can be fined and incur demerit points.
  • Seatbelts. We all know you must wear a seatbelt, or you face fines and demerit points, but wearing a seatbelt incorrectly also opens you up to those same fines and demerit points.
  • Driving with a relevant drug in your system. If you get caught driving with a relevant drug, the law does not take into consideration whether you were under the influence or not. Simply having a relevant drug present- this includes medically prescribed marijuana- opens you up to a mandatory disqualification period and at the minimum, a fine.
  • Mowing the lawn on a Saturday while enjoying a beer? You may be on a road- or roadway. If you are, you are subject to the same breath alcohol concentration as if you were driving a vehicle. You face a mandatory disqualification period and at the minimum, a fine.

How to make sure you keep your drivers licence:

  • Educate yourself. The Road and Traffic Education RATE Program is specifically designed with the view of providing education about road safety to reduce recidivism. The course is conducted online and takes approximately 5 hours to complete.
  • Beware of Work and School Zones- the most common way people incur demerit points quickly is by speeding through these zones.
  • Watch what you say to police- you have the right to remain silent, there is no obligation for you to participate in any interview or make any statement. Anything you say can be used against you. Raising your voice or saying things like “Don’t you have better things to do” or “There are real criminals out there and you are wasting your time on me” will not assist you in court.
  • Speed cameras – make note of where speed cameras are located and turn on your speed camera alert on your GPS device.
  • Read up on your rights.

You can potentially reduce your licence loss period by completing an online traffic safety course like the Rate Program.