If you’ve been charged with Stunt Driving in Ontario, the immediate and long-term consequences can be life-altering. Under section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, a first offence can result in a license suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time. Whether you’re facing your first charge or are a repeat offender, it’s essential to understand the penalties and take swift action to protect your rights and future.
Stunt Driving, often associated with street racing, includes a range of dangerous behaviours such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, or performing stunts like tire spinning or intentional skidding. The penalties for a first offence are severe, with fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, a lengthy license suspension, and the possibility of jail time. Additionally, a conviction can have long-lasting effects on your insurance rates, employment prospects, and driving record.
In this blog, we break down the penalties you face when charged with Stunt Driving, how this conviction can impact your life, and the critical steps you must take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Whether you’re looking for legal defence options or simply seeking to understand the gravity of a Stunt Driving charge, this guide will provide valuable insights into what comes next.
Immediate Consequences
When charged with Stunt Driving, you face immediate roadside penalties:
- 30-day license suspension
- 14-day vehicle impoundment
- Court summons for a future date
First Offence Penalties
- License suspension: A first offence can result in a license suspension of 1–3 years.
- Fine: The fine for a first offence can range from $2,000–$10,000.
- Demerit points: A first offence can result in 6 demerit points added to the driver’s record.
- Jail time: A first offence can result in up to 6 months in jail in some cases.
- Driver improvement course: A first offence can result in being required to complete a driver improvement course within 60 days of conviction.
- Insurance increase: A first offence can result in a substantial increase in insurance costs.
Repeat Offences
Repeat offenders can face harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions, jail time, and even a lifetime suspension.
What is Stunt Driving?
Stunt driving, also known as street racing, can involve driving at excessive speeds, driving in a dangerous manner, or participating in street racing.
Impact on Your Future
A Stunt Driving conviction has lasting effects:
- Insurance rates will increase substantially
- The conviction remains visible to insurance companies for 3 years
- This may affect employment, especially for professional drivers
Recommended Actions
Immediate Steps:
- Document everything about the incident
- Request disclosure of evidence against you
- File your ticket within 15 days
- Seek legal representation
Legal Defence Options:
- Consider enrolling in defensive driving courses
- Prepare documentation of your clean driving record
- Attend pre-trial meetings with the prosecution
Understanding Stunt Driving
Stunt Driving isn’t limited to racing. You can be charged for:
- Driving 40 km/h over the limit on roads with speed limits under 80 km/h
- Driving 50 km/h over the limit on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more
- Operating a vehicle without due care and attention
- Performing stunts like tire spinning or intentional skidding
While Stunt Driving is not a criminal offence, it is a serious charge under the Highway Traffic Act that requires immediate attention and proper legal guidance.
What exactly constitutes stunt driving in Ontario?
Stunt driving in Ontario includes driving 40 km/h over the speed limit where posted limits are under 80 km/h, or 50 km/h over on roads with limits of 80 km/h or higher. It also includes dangerous behaviors like racing, performing stunts (wheelies, doughnuts), intentionally blocking other vehicles, or driving with passengers in the trunk. Any vehicle speed of 150 km/h or more, regardless of the posted limit, automatically qualifies as stunt driving.
What are the immediate penalties for stunt driving in Ontario?
When charged with stunt driving in Ontario, you face an immediate 30-day driver’s license suspension and 14-day vehicle impoundment at the roadside, regardless of vehicle ownership. You’ll also receive a court summons and must pay all towing and storage fees for the impounded vehicle.
What happens if you’re convicted of stunt driving in Ontario?
A stunt driving conviction results in a minimum fine of \$2,000 up to \$10,000, six demerit points, and a license suspension of 1-3 years for first offenders. You must complete a mandatory driver improvement course before license reinstatement. Subsequent convictions face progressively harsher penalties, including potential lifetime license suspension.
Does stunt driving give you a criminal record in Ontario?
Stunt driving is not a criminal offense in Ontario – it’s a serious charge under the Highway Traffic Act. While it won’t result in a criminal record, the conviction remains on your driving record and is visible to insurance companies for three years from the conviction date.
How does a stunt driving charge affect insurance in Ontario?
A stunt driving conviction significantly impacts insurance rates, often leading to substantial premium increases or possible policy cancellation. Insurance companies consider it a serious offense, and the conviction remains visible for insurance purposes for three years, potentially requiring drivers to seek high-risk insurance coverage.
