Understanding Stunt Driving Speed Limit Changes and Legal Outcomes
Caught for stunt driving due to sudden speed limit changes? You’re not alone. It’s a common issue that frustrates many drivers. Often, they lament about instances when the speed limit dropped abruptly, leading to a stunt driving charge. However, the complexities of speed limits and law enforcement may surprise you. This guide is designed to help you understand the significance of “stunt driving speed limit changes” and their impact on your legal situation.
Navigating Rapid Speed Limit Changes
Examples of rapid speed limit changes often include:
- Exiting a highway with a speed limit of 100km/h, which abruptly drops to 60km/h
- A sudden shift from a 70km zone to a 40km zone
- Encountering a construction zone with a reduced speed limit
- A downhill slope where the speed limit changes at the bottom
Such scenarios are familiar to many and are among the frequent grievances we hear from clients.
Speed Limit Changes and the Law
It’s important to remember, however, that the law typically does not consider the specifics of speed limit changes. If the radar detects you speeding at levels that constitute stunt driving within a posted limit, this could lead to conviction in many cases.
Even if you believe there’s an issue with the radar (which is quite rare), it’s unlikely to aid your defence.
What the Law Really Looks At
In essence, the law does not concern itself with where or why the speed changed. If you’re caught stunt driving within a posted speed limit zone, the details of the road stretch or the reasoning are usually deemed irrelevant.
In fact, these exact details — the speed limit and your radar-detected speed — are recorded by the officer and submitted as a Disclosure (the evidence) to the court. These notes are an integral part of the evidence for your stunt driving case.
Does a Charge Mean Automatic License Suspension?
So, is a stunt driving charge the end of the road? Will you lose your license for 1-3 years? Not necessarily! A charge is merely the start of the legal process. Admittedly, it’s a tough start with a 14-day car impound and a 30-day license suspension even before your court date.
Take Action: Seek Legal Advice
However, now is the time to seek legal advice and tread carefully. Despite many dismissing stunt driving as a “mere traffic charge”, consider the practical implications if you couldn’t drive for a minimum of 1 year:
- Job loss
- Difficulty attending job interviews
- Inability to cater to family needs
- Lack of vehicle access in emergencies
Indeed, stunt driving charges carry serious implications.
Take Advantage of Free Legal Consultation
Don’t despair – help is at hand. This article is not a sales pitch, but a call to action to seek free legal advice. A law firm specializing in stunt driving may provide a legal strategy to potentially avoid license suspension. And, the best part? The initial consultation is completely free.
Feel free to schedule a no-obligation consultation with either Dan Joffe or myself, Jon Cohen. This conversation could bring about a significant change in your situation.
What is the MOMS Act in Ontario?
The MOMS Act (Moving Ontarians More Safely) is a new law in Ontario that focuses on what 'not to do' rather than the court process itself when it comes to stunt driving charges. The law only requires the Province to prove that a person was driving above the speed limit of 40km/h or 50km/h, depending on the posted speed limit on the road.
What happens if I'm charged with Stunt Driving in Ontario?
If you are charged with Stunt Driving in Ontario, it is just the beginning of the legal process. You will face a 14-day car impound and a 30-day license suspension, but being charged does not guarantee a conviction. It is important to seek legal advice from a law firm that specializes in Stunt Driving to find a strategy and legal course of action that could prevent license suspension. You can book a free meeting with a specialist to discuss your case.