Ontario Highway Traffic Act

Contact your insurance provider to find out if one conviction will impact your insurance. Just be aware if you go to trial the Crown will most likely raise the ticket back up to 20 over, which would be about a $100 fine and 3 demerit points upon conviction.

A speed reading of the other vehicle isn't really relevant. If the officer noted you were passing it, it simply eliminates the possibility that the speed reading he obtained was of the other vehicle. Even if he did get a reading of the other vehicle, since you were passing it you were going at least just as fast.

Accuracy argument is also somewhat ...

My understanding of the fault determination rules in your circumstances would make you 100% at fault. If there is a dispute over the actual damage done, you may have to involve your insurance provider or go through the Courts.

Any reason why you didn't tell the officer your instructor had your licence?

There is nothing in law that states the licence needs to be kept on your person, just that it needs to be surrendered on demand. As long as your instructor could have produced it, you're complying with the law.

You can select option 2, plead guilty with an explanation, and tell the JP about your financial status. They typically will reduce fines.

If you select option 3 (not guilty) I would try and work out a plea deal with the Crown ahead of time for a reduced fine. If you actually go to trial, a reduction is less likely.

Your ticket should show a fine of $260 and total payable of $325.

$260 Fine
$60 Surcharge
$5 Court costs

You stated it's her only conviction implying she's already been found guilty. If that's the case, there is little you can do. If not, she should get legal representation to fight the charge or seek a plea deal to something less serious.

Everyone, thank you very much for your input.

I would go for a trial. Based on the link provided "The law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices". I wasn't don't any of these.
It does state though it should be mounted, so it looks ...

Technically speaking even if the other person illegally used the turn lane, you could still be charged for failing to yield from a private drive. Under insurance fault determination rules which are separate from the HTA, you'd be 100% at fault as well I believe.

Court decisions are public with few exceptions and available to everyone. Contact the Courthouse to enquire about the actual process to request one. Typically you pay a nominal deposit before they review the transcript to give you an estimate of the final cost. The longer the trial, the more you pay, but expect at least $100 in costs.

Just curious ...

I would be interested to know if drinking coffee is allowed or not while driving.

The act itself isn't illegal per se, but the potential for a careless driving charge does exist. It would need to be shown that holding/drinking your coffee resulted in you driving without due care and attention.

A cup of coffee isn't a "device" as defined by the ...

The fact that you were stopped at a red light and/or looking for an address is irrelevant, the charge is still valid and won't be dismissed.

You could select option 2 and request a reduced fine or option 3 and work out a plea deal with the Crown.

I'm not debating the merits of our speeding laws, and don't necessarily disagree with some of your opinions. I'm just telling you from personal experience the Courts don't like to hear you describe your actions as safe or justified.

As Viper said, review the disclosure against you, see if they have a solid case. It will then be time to decide if ...

You could certainly request a meeting right away and see what the Crown is willing to offer. You're under no obligation to accept the deal at that time, and can just politely advise the Crown you'll make your final decision once you've reviewed disclosure.

It is very unlikely the police would go to the effort of trying to identify the driver short of their being an accident or something similar. Being charged as the owner will not impact your insurance rates.