What Are the Current Stunt Driving Penalties in Ontario?
Stunt driving is now one of the most serious motor vehicle offences in Ontario. Unlike a speeding ticket that fines you and leaves your licence intact, a stunt driving conviction carries severe, mandatory consequences that cascade across your work, finances, and independence.
| Penalty Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Fine | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Jail Time | Up to 6 months |
| Licence Suspension (Post-Conviction) | 1–3 years (1st), 3–10 years (2nd), lifetime (3rd+) |
| Roadside Licence Suspension | 30 days (immediate upon charge) |
| Vehicle Impound | 14 days (immediate upon charge) |
| Demerit Points | 6 points |
| Probation | Up to 2 years |
The escalating licence suspension framework is the cornerstone of the MOMS Act. A first offence now guarantees a 1–3 year licence suspension after conviction, on top of the immediate 30-day suspension you face the moment you’re charged. This means you cannot drive legally for at least 30 days while your case proceeds, even if you’re eventually found not guilty.
How Do Escalating Licence Suspensions Work?
The MOMS Act introduced a tiered penalty structure designed to progressively restrict driving privileges for repeat offenders. Each subsequent conviction triggers automatically longer suspensions.
First Offence: 1–3 Years
If convicted of stunt driving for the first time, the court must impose a licence suspension of at least 1 year and not more than 3 years. This is mandatory—the judge has no discretion to waive it or reduce it below 1 year. You cannot drive during this entire period, period.
Second Offence: 3–10 Years
A second conviction triggers a mandatory suspension of 3–10 years. This eliminates years of your working life from the possibility of lawful driving. For commercial drivers, delivery personnel, and anyone whose job depends on a licence, this is career-ending.
Third and Subsequent Offences: Lifetime Suspension
Any third conviction results in a lifetime ban from driving in Ontario. However, the legislation allows for the lifetime suspension to be reduced to a specific number of years by regulation at a later date—but as of 2026, no such regulation has been enacted, meaning lifetime truly means lifetime.
Important: These suspension periods begin after your trial concludes. If you’re convicted, the 30-day roadside suspension that began at the time of the initial charge counts toward your total suspension period.
What Is the 30-Day Roadside Suspension and 14-Day Vehicle Impound?
Two consequences apply immediately when you’re charged with stunt driving, before trial:
30-Day Licence Suspension
The officer who charges you serves a 30-day roadside suspension on the spot. Your licence is physically taken at the roadside, and you cannot drive for 30 days starting that day. This happens regardless of whether you’re eventually acquitted.
14-Day Vehicle Impound
Your vehicle is towed and held for 14 days at a Crown impound facility. You must pay towing and storage fees (typically $300–$500) to retrieve it after the 14-day period. If you cannot pay the impound fees, your car remains in storage, accumulating daily fees.
These immediate consequences are applied by police at the roadside under Ontario Highway Traffic Act authority, before any court hearing. They create severe hardship for defendants who rely on their vehicles for work or family obligations.
What Qualifies as Stunt Driving in Ontario?
Stunt driving charges are not limited to speeding. However, the MOMS Act introduced lower speed thresholds that made it significantly easier for police to lay these charges.
Speed-Based Stunt Driving Thresholds
You can be charged with stunt driving based on speed alone if you exceed these thresholds:
- 40 km/h or more above the limit on roads where the speed limit is less than 80 km/h (residential areas, school zones, local roads)
- 50 km/h or more above the limit on roads where the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher (highways)
Prior to the MOMS Act, the thresholds were higher, making these charges rarer. The lower threshold has dramatically increased stunt driving charges across Ontario.
Non-Speed Stunt Driving Conduct
You can also be charged with stunt driving for behaviour such as:
- Racing or street racing
- Performing stunts (wheelies, drifting, burnouts)
- Driving aggressively (tailgating, weaving, sudden lane changes)
- Two-up riding (carrying a passenger on a motorcycle illegally)
- Removing licence plates or disguising a vehicle
These conduct-based charges apply regardless of speed and carry the same penalties as speed-based charges.
How Many Drivers Are Facing Stunt Driving Charges in Ontario?
To understand the scope of stunt driving enforcement in Ontario, here are provincial statistics from October 2024 through September 2025:
| Metric | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total Charges Received | 11,284 | 100% |
| Withdrawn Before Trial | 4,422 | 39.2% |
| Withdrawn at Trial | 1,029 | 9.1% |
| Total Withdrawn/Dismissed | 5,451 | 48.3% |
| Guilty Pleas Before Trial | 305 | 2.7% |
| Total Disposed Cases | 7,313 | — |
| Cases Still Pending | 7,120 | 63.1% |
What These Statistics Mean
Nearly half of all stunt driving charges are withdrawn or dismissed before or during trial. This does not mean the charges are weak; it reflects a combination of:
- Successful legal negotiations between experienced defence counsel and the Crown
- Evidentiary issues or Charter violations that weaken the Crown’s case
- Sentencing mitigation that results in an acquittal on the stunt driving charge but conviction on a lesser included offence
- Cases where the accused cannot prove identity or the Crown cannot prove all elements
With over 63% of cases still pending, court backlogs mean your case could take 12–24 months to resolve. During this entire period, the 30-day roadside suspension applies, and your vehicle remains at risk of impound if additional charges arise.
Where Are Most Stunt Driving Charges Laid in Ontario?
Stunt driving enforcement varies significantly by jurisdiction. The following cities have the highest charge volumes (Oct 2024–Sep 2025):
| City | Charges | Court Location | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guelph | 361 | Guelph | 36 Wyndham Street South, Guelph, ON N1H 4E8 |
| Sudbury | 221 | Sudbury | 155 Elm Street, Sudbury, ON P3C 1T9 |
| Niagara | 123 | St. Catharines | 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3C3 |
| Thunder Bay | 114 | Thunder Bay | 125 Brodie Street North, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 0A3 |
| Kingston | 69 | Kingston | 5 Court Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2N4 |
Guelph is by far the most aggressive enforcement area, with 361 charges in a single year. This reflects both population density and targeted enforcement operations. If you’ve been charged in these jurisdictions, local court experience is critical.
What Happens Immediately After a Stunt Driving Charge?
The consequences begin the moment you’re charged, not when you’re convicted. Understanding this timeline is essential.
At the Roadside
- Police issue a 30-day licence suspension notice under s. 172 of the Highway Traffic Act
- Your physical licence is taken and replaced with a temporary notice
- Your vehicle is towed for 14-day impound
- You receive a summons to appear in court
First 30 Days
- You cannot legally drive a motor vehicle
- Your vehicle accumulates storage fees at the impound facility
- Your insurance company is notified of the charge (your premiums will increase significantly)
- You must arrange alternative transportation to court and work
Impound Release (Day 14+)
- You can retrieve your vehicle after 14 days, provided you pay towing and storage fees (typically $300–$500+)
- Your vehicle is released, but you still cannot drive it during the 30-day suspension
- Insurance complications may arise if the vehicle is driven by someone else
Court Appearance
- You appear in court on your court date
- Crown and defence discuss the case
- Plea negotiations may occur, resulting in a reduced charge or withdrawal
- If no resolution, the matter is adjourned for trial
Video: Understanding Stunt Driving Penalties in Ontario
For a detailed visual explanation of how the MOMS Act changed stunt driving law in Ontario, watch this NextLaw video:
Can Stunt Driving Charges Be Reduced?
Yes. Nearly 48% of charges are withdrawn or dismissed, and many more are successfully negotiated down to lesser offences like speeding or careless driving. However, this requires experienced legal representation.
How Charges Are Reduced
Negotiation with the Crown: An experienced defence lawyer can identify weaknesses in the Crown’s case, review the officer’s notes, and negotiate a resolution that avoids the worst consequences. For example, a charge of stunt driving (40+ km/h over on a road under 80) might be reduced to simple speeding (29 km/h over), avoiding the mandatory 1–3 year licence suspension.
Charter Arguments: Police must follow Charter rights during the stop, detention, and charge process. Violations—such as unreasonable detention, failure to provide rights upon arrest, or improper breath sample procedures—can result in evidence being excluded or the charge being withdrawn.
Trial: If negotiation fails, an experienced trial lawyer can cross-examine the officer, challenge the Crown’s evidence, and argue for acquittal or conviction on a lesser charge.
Why Timing Matters
The sooner you hire a lawyer after being charged, the better. Early engagement allows your lawyer to:
- Review the police report and identify issues immediately
- Request disclosure from the Crown
- Make early contact with Crown counsel to explore resolution options
- File Charter motions if necessary
- Prepare for trial well in advance
Waiting weeks or months to hire a lawyer reduces your options and limits time for thorough case preparation.
What Do Real Clients Get as Outcomes?
Here’s what NextLaw clients have achieved:
“Jon took care of my stunt driving case and got it reduced to a simple speeding ticket. If you’re in a situation like I was, where you find yourself stressing over huge fines and lengthy licence suspensions, call NextLaw. They’re easygoing and will take care of the case for you. You don’t even have to show up to court.”
“I was originally facing a serious Stunt Driving and Speeding charge, which could have resulted in a 1-year driving suspension and other heavy penalties. Thanks to their expertise, they were able to reduce the charge to a simple speeding ticket, which saved me from the much harsher consequences. They were professional, efficient, and kept me informed every step of the way.”
“NextLaw got me off a stunting charge and had it reduced to just a 29 km/h speeding ticket. The process was smooth, and they really know their stuff. Super friendly, professional, and easy to work with.”
“They managed to reduce it to a simple speeding ticket (152 to 139) delivering an exceptional outcome. From start to finish, the process was seamless and efficient. Their team stayed focused, wasted no time, and kept me confident every step of the way.”
“Jon fought tooth and nail for me and was being given the hard hand from the courts. But he never backed down. Ultimately, I got my issue to a speeding ticket and saved my ass. Thank you, guys.”
“Next Law’s team is highly professional and knowledgeable and deliver outstanding support and results. Their systems for communication are excellent and follow up and response times are first rate.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario Stunt Driving Penalties
Can I drive during a stunt driving charge?
No. The 30-day roadside suspension begins immediately upon charge. You cannot drive during this period or any subsequent suspension period ordered by the court. You must arrange alternative transportation for the duration.
Do I have to go to jail for a stunt driving charge?
Jail is a possible penalty—up to 6 months—but actual jail sentences are rare unless you have prior convictions or significant aggravating factors. However, the possibility exists and should be taken seriously.
How much does stunt driving legal representation cost?
Costs vary depending on case complexity, whether negotiation succeeds, and whether trial is necessary. However, the average savings from a successful charge reduction (avoiding a 1–3 year licence suspension and $2,000 fine) far exceed legal fees. Most lawyers offer payment plans.
Can a stunt driving conviction be pardoned or erased from my record?
A stunt driving conviction cannot be erased. However, after a certain period (5 or 10 years depending on the sentence), you may apply for a pardon from the National Parole Board of Canada. This does not erase the conviction but creates a confidential file that is not disclosed for most purposes.
Will my insurance cover me if I’m charged with stunt driving?
Yes, your existing coverage applies to the incident itself. However, after conviction, your premiums will increase dramatically (often 50–100% or more), and some insurers may refuse to renew your policy. You may be forced to buy coverage from high-risk insurers at premium rates.
What if I was charged but acquitted?
If you are acquitted, the charge does not appear on your record. However, the roadside suspension and vehicle impound that occurred before trial still happen. If you were convicted of a lesser offence (like speeding) instead, that lesser conviction appears on your record, but no licence suspension is mandatory.
What Should You Do Now?
If you have been charged with stunt driving in Ontario, time is critical. The sooner you seek legal help, the more options are available.
Immediate Steps
- Do not delay. Contact a stunt driving lawyer immediately. Many people wait weeks or months, which limits negotiation options and reduces preparation time.
- Gather evidence. Document everything from the incident—dash cam footage, witness contact information, weather conditions, road conditions, and your own account of what happened.
- Review your disclosure. Request a complete copy of the police report and any other evidence from the Crown or your lawyer.
- Follow conditions. If the court has imposed conditions on your release, follow them exactly. Any breach can result in additional charges.
Contact NextLaw Today
NextLaw specializes in stunt driving defence across Ontario. Call +1-833-639-8529 or visit stunt-call.nextlaw.ca to schedule your free consultation.
In your first consultation, you will:
- Explain your situation and answer questions about the charge
- Receive initial legal advice on your options
- Understand the realistic outcomes for your specific case
- Learn what fees and timeline to expect
You do not need to attend court alone, pay $10,000 in fines, lose your licence, or accept the worst penalties. Call NextLaw now.
Why Choose NextLaw for Stunt Driving Defence?
- Specialized expertise: NextLaw focuses exclusively on motor vehicle law, including stunt driving cases across Ontario.
- Proven results: Hundreds of clients have had charges withdrawn, reduced, or resulted in acquittals.
- Local court knowledge: Familiarity with prosecutors, judges, and procedural practices in every Ontario jurisdiction.
- Transparent communication: Regular updates and clear explanations throughout your case.
- Flexible arrangements: You do not have to attend court; we can often handle your case on your behalf.
- Payment plans: We understand the financial burden of a charge and offer flexible fee arrangements.
