Being charged with Stunt Driving in Ontario can be a very scary and confusing event. The officer doesn’t have to explain the details at the roadside. Their radar reading or judgement is enough to warrant a 14-day impound and 30-day suspension. But understanding the implications of the charge is very important.
Stunt Driving Ontario Impound
In Ontario, stunt driving is taken very seriously, and law enforcement enforces strict consequences for those found guilty. When a vehicle is involved in stunt driving, the police have the authority to impound it, regardless of the registered owner. Impoundment occurs immediately upon apprehension, and the vehicle may be seized for up to 14 days. It’s crucial for drivers to be aware of the potential consequences of stunt driving, as they can impact one’s livelihood and reputation. To avoid such penalties, always practice safe and responsible driving habits on Ontario’s roads.
Here are 3 important facts about the 14-day tow and impound that follows your Stunt Driving charge.
1. Call the impound lot after 24 hours
Roughly, after 24 hours after your car has been impounded, you should call the tow yard lot and speak to someone who can tell you what the cost will be after the 14 days, when you are eligible to pick up the car. This will include the tow charge, the storage fees, taxes, extra fees and any other costs incurred when your car was towed and impounded for your stunt driving charge. This way, there will be no surprises after the 14 days when you pick up the car.
Generally, these fees are controlled by agreements with the police and the tow yard. But it is still always a good idea to avoid any surprises. After all, this is your vehicle and your money.
2. You cannot get your car back from impound before 14 days.
The Stunt Driving laws don’t account for the following:
- The car does not belong to you
- You need the car for work
- You need the car for your family
- The car is a rental
- The car is a company vehicle
So, there is no real way to get the car back early. You can try, but the chances of success are low. If the car is a rental, the rental company usually has a clause that will take care of the impound and pick up the car (of course, the costs will passed on to you).
3. Even if the charges are withdrawn or dismissed, you cannot recover your impound fees
The charges in court, and the results from court, occur after the impound. They are not directly linked together. The impound and suspension at the roadside are immediate penalties based on the officer laying the charges. There is not due process for this. Once the officer lays a Stunt Driving charge, the roadside penalties are in effect, and all costs associated with this, regardless of the outcome of your court case.
All of this can be confusing and frustrating
Stunt is such a serious charge, because if the charges are not handled with a proper strategy, you risk major penalties, including a mandatory 1-3 year license suspension. It’s always worth a free call to a Stunt Driving law firm to fully understand the charges, the court process and a strategy to keep you driving.
What should I do after 24 hours of my car impoundment for Stunt Driving charge?
You should call the tow yard after 24 hours of impoundment to find out the cost of tow, storage fees, taxes, extra fees and any other costs incurred. This will help you avoid surprises when you pick up your car after 14 days.
Can I get my car back from impound before 14 days for Stunt Driving charges?
No, the car impoundment is a penalty of the Stunt Driving charge and cannot be recovered before 14 days, even if the charges are withdrawn or dismissed. There is no way to get the car back early. If the car is a rental, the rental company may pick it up but the costs will be passed on to you.