Under the Provincial Offences Act (POA) an enforcement officer may issue a summons instead of a ticket for violations of provincial laws or municipal by-laws in certain circumstances.

You will find each is dealt with in a different section of the Provincial Offences Act:

• Part I – Ticket: Used for minor offences with pre-set fines, similar to traffic tickets.
• Part III – Summons: Reserved for more serious offences that require a court appearance.

Specifically, a summons may be used where:

• The offence is more serious (g., serious traffic offenses, such as stunt driving or driving without insurance, serious liquor infractions, or environmental issues);
• There is no “set fine” established for the offence;
• The legislation requires a court appearance; or
• The officer determines that a court appearance is appropriate.

Unlike most tickets, a summons does not provide an option to simply pay a fine instead of attending court. If you receive a summons, you (or someone on your behalf, where permitted) must attend court at the time and place shown on the summons.

More information

View the Ontario Provincial Offences Act for more information on the difference between a ticket and a summons.

For more information about preparing and what to expect after receiving a summons, refer to the Ontario Court of Justice Guide for Defendants in Provincial Offences Cases.

								
You now have 3 options:
								

									
More answers about Provincial Law
									
Master List: 2,500 Legal Answers
																													
																		
Government Links