Frequently Asked Questions

Provincial offences include, but are not limited to:

Speeding, careless driving, or not wearing your seat belt (Highway Traffic Act)
Failing to surrender your insurance card or possessing a false or invalid insurance card (Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
Being intoxicated in a public place or selling alcohol to a minor (License)
Entering prohibited premises or failing to leave premises after being directed to do so (Trespass to Property Act)
Occupational Health and Safety and Ministry of Environment violations
Noise, taxi and animal care by-laws (City of Brampton by-laws)
Parking offences

Most Provincial Offence charges result in out-of-court fine payments. Residents who are issued an Offence Notice (ticket) under the Provincial Offences Act should read it carefully for a complete list of their options.

What does the Provincial Offences Court do?

The City of Brampton is responsible for the administration and prosecution of provincial offences charges which includes:

Accepting payment of Provincial Offence fines
Scheduling and supporting Provincial Offence Early Resolution meetings and Trials
Providing intake court services (e.g. re-opening applications, extension of time to pay, etc.)
Providing information on the filing of appeals
Managing the filing of Provincial Offences Act matters

Are cellphones allowed at court?

Cell phones can be brought into the court house but must be turned off or put on silent when in the court room. Please be respectful of those around you. Recording on any device is not permitted.

Once I receive a ticket, how many days do I have to respond?

You have 15 calendar days to respond to an Offence Notice (ticket). Please read and follow the instructions provided on the back of the ticket.

What is an Early Resolution meeting?

An Early Resolution meeting is a meeting with a prosecutor where you can discuss the charge in an attempt to resolve the case without having to schedule a trial. If resolved, your case will be brought before the Court and finalized as per the resolution agreement. In the event you do not resolve the matter with the prosecutor, your matter will be scheduled for a trial at a later date.

What if I can’t attend my Early Resolution meeting?

To request an adjournment of Early Resolution on an offence notice, you can submit a request online or deliver a written request to the court office indicated on the notice. This must be received no later than two (2) business days before the original scheduled time of your meeting.

What is a Reopening and how is it processed?

A Reopening is a process for people who feel they have been convicted of a Part I offence through no fault of their own. A Reopening can be requested within 15 days of becoming aware of the conviction.

To request a Reopening, you must complete a Reopening application/affidavit (Early Resolution form) explaining the reason for the request. This form must be sworn or affirmed when completing the application in person.

The Reopening application will be reviewed then be reviewed by a court official. If the court official is satisfied that the person was convicted through no fault of their own, the conviction will be struck out and he/she will make an order that either an Early Resolution meeting with the prosecutor or a trial be scheduled.

What if I need more time to pay a provincial offences fine?

If you require more time to pay your fine and have been convicted, visit contact the court office noted on the top of your Notice of Fine. Your request can be completed by attending in person or visiting www.brampton.ca and completing the extension of time to pay form.

You must complete an application to request an extension of time to pay your fine which will be reviewed by a court official.

How do I pay my fines?

1. Online (VISA, MasterCard, American Express)

2. In person (cash, cheque, debit, VISA, MasterCard, American Express):

Payment kiosk, Provincial Offences Court lobby
Provincial Offences Court, 5 Ray Lawson Blvd Brampton

3. By mail (cheque or money order only)

Please note: processing fees apply for online and phone payments.

What happens if I don't pay my fine in full?

Failure to pay your fine in full could result in a conviction being entered against you. Upon conviction you will be required to pay the set fine including court costs and the applicable Victim Fine Surcharge by the due date. Failure to pay the fine imposed upon conviction by the due date will result in one or more of the following:

Refusal by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to issue validation of your vehicle permit,
Refusal by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to issue a vehicle permit,
Driver's licence suspension,
An additional administrative fee,
The defaulted fine information is provided to a credit bureau.

What are court costs?

Court costs are an amount to be paid by the defendant for the service of the offence notice and/or summons and upon conviction of an offence.

The costs are authorized by Section 60 of the Provincial Offences Act and the amount is set by regulation.

What is the Victim Fine Surcharge?

The Victim Fine Surcharge is imposed by the Provincial Government and is added to every fine under the Provincial Offences Act, other than parking. The amount of the Victim Fine Surcharge is variable, and is based on the amount of the set fine. Proceeds from the surcharge are used to maintain and expand provincial services to victims of crime.

Why are there two amounts on my Offence Notice (ticket)?

One amount is the set fine and the second is the total payable.

The set fine is ordered by the Chief Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice as an amount payable by the defendant based on the offence with which they are charged.
The total payable consists of the set fine, court costs and the Victim Fine Surcharge and is the total amount which must be paid to satisfy payment of the fine.