And to follow up on that: 56. (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations providing for a demerit point system for drivers of motor vehicles or of street cars. 2005, c. 26, Sched. A, s. 5.

So unless you're driving a very large bicycle that may be mistaken for a street car, ask the happy fuzz to please write "bicycle" on your ticket. Demerits only count for motor vehicles and streetcars.

This from the Cyclometer

yclists and Demerit Points

by Barbara Wentworth

Does the demerit point system apply to cycling offences under the Highway Traffic (HTA)? In a word, NO. But does it happen? Yes, it can. Here's how it works.

Cyclists and motorists can be charged under the HTA, with similar fines applying to both ($90 for most infractions). Section 56 of the HTA allows the province to cancel or suspend drivers' licenses through a demerit point system. However, this applies only to infractions committed while driving a motor vehicle or streetcar.

In order to avoid demerit points inadvertently being assigned to your drivers license for an infraction committed on your bicycle, the following must occur:

* The police officer laying the charge must write "bicycle" in the vehicle type box on the Provincial Offenses Notice.
* If you go to court, the courts must indicate "bicycle" in the vehicle type box on the conviction notice.

If the Provincial Offenses Notice or the conviction notice is received by the Ministry of Transportation without the "bicycle" designation, demerit points will be assigned to the driving record of the individual. If the ministry is notified, the error will be corrected. Better still, follow the rules and you won't get a ticket in the first place.

to the last one.