A Provincial Offences Notice (PON) is issued when an individual violates a municipal by-law—excluding
violations under the Parking By-law. This makes it different from a Parking Infraction Notice (PIN).
For example, someone found burning without a fire permit may receive a PON under the Burning By-
law.

Understanding the Fine Structure

Each PON includes two amounts:

• Set Fine – This is the base amount established by the Chief Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice. It
  allows a defendant to pay the fine without appearing in court.
• Total Payable – This includes the set fine, court costs, and the Victim Fine Surcharge.

Court Costs are charged for the service of the PON or summons and upon conviction. These are authorized under the Provincial Offences Act and set by regulation.

The Victim Fine Surcharge is mandated by the provincial government. It is applied to all fines under the Provincial Offences Act (excluding parking fines) and helps fund services for victims of crime. The amount is calculated based on the set fine.

According to the Provincial Offences Act, payment of a PON is considered a plea of guilty and results in a
conviction being registered.