Automatic Speed Cameras Are Officially Leaving Ontario. What Happens Now?
As of November 14, 2025, Ontario will remove all municipal Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras following the passage of Bill 56 — the “Less Red Tape, More Common Sense Act, 2025.”
This change comes as the province argues ASE devices are a “cash grab,” while municipalities and safety advocates warn the sudden ban could make community roads, especially school zones, less safe.
Before we dig into insurance and fines, let’s look at why ASE existed in the first place.
Why Speed Cameras Were Installed in the First Place
Across Ontario, ASE cameras were implemented to reduce speeding in school zones and community safety zones. And they worked.
How Much Money Did Municipalities Make From ASE Cameras?
Speed cameras were also a major source of funding for road safety programs.
Toronto
York Region, including Markham & Stouffville
Other municipalities using ASE: Peel Region • Ottawa • Hamilton • Waterloo
What Does Bill 56 Actually Do?
Bill 56 fast-tracked a province-wide ban on automated speed cameras. All municipalities must remove ASE units by November 14, 2025, with the province offering temporary large warning signs until physical road calming measures (speed bumps, roundabouts, etc.) can be installed. Safety experts argue these replacements won’t be ready in time.
Do You Still Need to Pay Speed Camera Tickets?
YES!!! If you receive a ticket before November 14, you must still pay it. Tickets issued while cameras were operational remain valid, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
✔️ Speed camera tickets do NOT affect your:
- Car insurance rates
- Driving record
- Demerit points
✔️ They DO affect:
- Your wallet
- Your next licence plate renewal (if unpaid)
Camera tickets are tied to the vehicle, not the driver, so insurance companies cannot use them to assess risk.
Do Speed Camera Tickets Affect My Insurance?
No. Because ASE cameras do not identify the driver, these tickets:
- Don’t appear on your driving abstract
- Don’t impact your Ontario car insurance premiums
- Are treated similarly to parking tickets
Your insurance company will never see them.
Can You Fight Speed Camera Tickets?
You can request a court date, but most legal experts agree there is little value in fighting them because:
- They do NOT affect insurance
- They do NOT appear on your abstract
- Hiring legal representation often costs more than the fine
If the fine is unusually high, you may appear in court to request a fine reduction, but outcomes vary.
What If You Get a Speed Camera Ticket in a Rental Car?
Here’s what happens:
- The rental company receives the ticket.
- They automatically forward the cost to you.
- Many add an administration fee.
- You are responsible for paying the ticket immediately.
- If you don’t pay, charges and admin fees can escalate quickly.
How Did ASE Cameras Work? (Quick Overview)
- Your vehicle’s speed
- License plate
- Make & model
- Date, time, direction of travel
An officer then verified the data and mailed a ticket to the registered owner.
Ontario Photo Radar Tickets and Fines
| Speed Over Limit | Fine |
|---|---|
| 1–19 km/h | $5 per km |
| 20–29 km/h | $7.50 per km |
| 30–49 km/h | $12 per km |
| 50+ km/h | Court appearance required |
Final Thought
Ontario’s decision to eliminate ASE cameras has sparked strong reactions. On one hand, these devices reduced speeding and kept school zones safer. On the other hand, many viewed them as a revenue tool that didn’t address the root cause of dangerous driving.
Regardless of the debate, one thing remains true:
Safe driving protects your family, your community and your insurance rates.
At My Insurance Broker, we’re here to help Ontario and Alberta drivers stay informed — and protected — through every policy change.
For questions or a free policy review:
Call us 1-855-482-5001 or email info@myinsurancebroker.com