What type of driver receives higher penalties for accumulating demerit points?

New drivers receive higher penalties for accumulating demerit points because they are often subject to a stricter set of rules under Ontario's graduated licensing system. This system is designed to ensure that novice drivers gain experience and demonstrate safe driving behavior before they are fully licensed. As part of this system, new drivers have a lower threshold for the number of demerit points they can accumulate before facing sanctions, such as license suspension.

The rationale behind this approach is to promote road safety and encourage responsible driving behaviors among those who are still learning. Consequently, new drivers face stricter penalties as a way to motivate them to adhere to traffic laws and reduce the risk of accidents during their formative driving years. Experienced drivers and commercial drivers, while also subject to penalties for demerit points, do not face the same heightened consequences as new drivers, who are expected to be more cautious as they gain experience on the road.