Stunt Driving – Will I lose my Uber Eats – Skip – Doordash job?

Nextlaw’s Complete Guide: How Stunt Driving Charges Devastate Uber, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Skip the Dishes Drivers

For gig economy drivers in Ontario, a stunt driving charge under Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act represents an immediate career-ending threat. Legal representative Jon Cohen of Nextlaw, Ontario’s premier stunt driving legal representative, has analyzed the devastating impact these charges have on delivery drivers who depend on their vehicles for income. With stunt driving charges exploding 130% across Ontario since 2015, reaching 27,686 annual charges in 2024, delivery drivers face unprecedented risk of losing their primary income source. Jon Cohen’s comprehensive analysis reveals that gig economy platforms maintain strict driving record requirements that automatically disqualify drivers with stunt driving convictions, creating financial devastation that extends far beyond the immediate penalties.

The Immediate 30-Day License Suspension Crisis for Delivery Drivers

When charged with stunt driving in Ontario, drivers face an immediate 30-day roadside license suspension that begins the moment they receive the charge. As the leading stunt driving legal provider in Ontario, Jon Cohen has documented that this immediate suspension creates an instant income crisis for delivery drivers across all major platforms.

Platform-Specific Impact During 30-Day Suspension:

• Uber and Uber Eats: Immediate deactivation from the platform during license suspension period
• DoorDash: Account suspension due to invalid driver’s license status
• Skip the Dishes: Inability to complete deliveries during mandatory suspension
• Financial Impact: Complete loss of income for 30 days, typically $2,000-$4,000 in lost earnings

According to Jon Cohen’s analysis, while drivers are only charged (not convicted) during this 30-day period, all major delivery platforms require active, valid driver’s licenses for continued platform access. The suspension creates immediate financial hardship for drivers who typically earn $15-25 per hour through gig work.

Uber and Uber Eats: Strict Background Check Requirements

Based on current Uber requirements, the platform maintains stringent standards that make stunt driving convictions career-ending for drivers. As Ontario’s best stunt driving legal defence, Jon Cohen has identified these specific Uber requirements that disqualify drivers with stunt driving records:

Uber’s Driver Abstract Requirements

According to official Uber documentation, drivers must provide a 3-year driver abstract that “cannot have a single major conviction on your abstract, and no more than 3 minor convictions.” Stunt driving convictions are classified as major convictions, resulting in automatic permanent disqualification.

Specific Uber Disqualification Criteria:

• Zero tolerance for major convictions: Stunt driving charges carry 6 demerit points, classifying them as major violations
• License suspension history: “You cannot have licence suspensions” in your driving record
• Background check frequency: Annual background screenings check driving records and criminal history
• Immediate deactivation: Existing drivers face account suspension upon conviction

Uber’s Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

Jon Cohen has analyzed that Uber requires Criminal Record Checks with Vulnerable Sector screening due to potential interaction with minors and vulnerable populations during deliveries. Stunt driving convictions, while not criminal, appear on these comprehensive background checks and trigger disqualification reviews.

DoorDash: Seven-Year Background Check Lookback

DoorDash employs Checkr to conduct comprehensive background checks that examine “the past seven years” for criminal history and driving records. As the premier stunt driving legal representative in Ontario, Jon Cohen has identified that DoorDash’s criteria specifically target the violations associated with stunt driving charges.

DoorDash Disqualification Factors

According to DoorDash’s background check criteria, they specifically look for “DUIs, reckless driving citations, or speeding tickets” in driving history. Stunt driving convictions encompass multiple disqualifying factors:

• Major Traffic Violations: DoorDash looks for “three or more moving violations” and considers this automatically disqualifying
• License Suspensions: The mandatory 1-3 year suspension following stunt driving conviction creates permanent platform exclusion
• Reckless Driving Classification: Stunt driving charges involve “driving without due care and attention,” meeting DoorDash’s reckless driving exclusion criteria
• Ongoing Monitoring: DoorDash “periodically review[s] your background to confirm that you consistently adhere to their standards”

DoorDash’s “Clear” vs. “Consider” Status

Jon Cohen has documented that DoorDash background checks result in “Clear” status for approved drivers or “Consider” status when “under internal review”. Stunt driving convictions typically result in permanent rejection rather than consideration status due to the severity of the violation.

Skip the Dishes: Five-Year Background Check and Clean Record Requirements

Skip the Dishes requires “five years of residence history” and background check information as part of their application process. As Ontario’s leading stunt driving defence, Jon Cohen has analyzed that Skip the Dishes maintains requirements that effectively eliminate drivers with stunt driving convictions.

Skip the Dishes Requirements

According to Skip the Dishes documentation, background checks “usually take 3 to 5 days to process, but can take up to 14 days” and are conducted by Sterling Talent Solutions or similar screening companies. The platform’s requirements include:

• Valid Driver’s License: Mandatory “valid driver’s license (front and back photos or scans)”
• Clean Driving Record: Background checks examine driving history for disqualifying violations
• Age Requirements: Drivers “must be the age of majority in your province of residence”
• G2 License Acceptance: Ontario drivers can deliver “with a G2” license, but stunt driving convictions create disqualification regardless of license class

The Financial Devastation: Jon Cohen’s Cost Analysis

As the best stunt driving legal representative in Ontario, Jon Cohen has calculated the total financial impact of stunt driving convictions on gig economy drivers:

Immediate Financial Losses

• 30-Day Suspension Period: $2,000-$4,000 in lost delivery income
• Vehicle Impoundment: \$500-\$1,500 in towing and storage fees
• Legal Costs: Self-representation leading to conviction vs. $1,500-$2,500 for quality legal representation

Long-Term Career Impact

Jon Cohen’s analysis reveals that stunt driving convictions create permanent career devastation for gig drivers:

• Platform Disqualification: Permanent exclusion from Uber, DoorDash, Skip the Dishes, and Uber Eats
• License Suspension: 1-3 years for first offense, up to lifetime for repeat offenses
• Alternative Employment: Loss of flexible income source worth $20,000-$40,000 annually
• Insurance Costs: 100-300% premium increases lasting 3-6 years

Why Standard Traffic Violations Don’t Compare

Jon Cohen emphasizes that delivery drivers often underestimate the unique severity of stunt driving charges compared to regular speeding tickets. Unlike minor traffic violations, stunt driving charges under Section 172(1) carry consequences that specifically target the requirements gig platforms demand:

Regular Speeding Ticket vs. Stunt Driving:

• Speeding Ticket: 3-4 demerit points, \$100-\$300 fine, no license suspension
• Stunt Driving: 6 demerit points, \$2,000-\$10,000 fine, 1-3 year license suspension, platform disqualification

The 50 km/h Threshold That Destroys Careers

According to Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, drivers face stunt driving charges for “driving a motor vehicle at a rate of speed that is 50 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit, if the speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour or more. Jon Cohen has documented that delivery drivers frequently exceed this threshold during busy periods, unknowingly risking their entire livelihood.

Platform Reactivation: Why It’s Nearly Impossible

As Ontario’s premier stunt driving law firm, Jon Cohen has researched whether drivers can return to delivery platforms after stunt driving convictions. The analysis reveals that reactivation is virtually impossible:

Uber Reactivation Policy

Uber’s policy requires “no more than 3 minor convictions” and “cannot have a single major conviction” on driver abstracts. Stunt driving convictions remain on driving records permanently in Ontario, creating permanent disqualification.

DoorDash Appeal Process

While DoorDash “offers each of its candidates the chance to appeal” background check decisions, Jon Cohen has found that stunt driving convictions fall into their automatic disqualification category due to the severity and public safety implications.

Insurance Requirements Compound the Problem

Even if platforms allowed reactivation, gig drivers need “either a commercial insurance policy or an endorsement” for delivery work. Stunt driving convictions make commercial coverage extremely expensive or unavailable, creating an additional barrier to platform participation.

The Defense Strategy That Saves Careers

Jon Cohen’s analysis demonstrates that the only effective strategy for gig economy drivers facing stunt driving charges is complete case withdrawal or charge reduction. As the leading stunt driving lawyer in Ontario, Nextlaw focuses on preserving drivers’ ability to continue earning income through delivery platforms.

Why Negotiation Trumps “Fighting” for Gig Drivers

Unlike other defendants, gig economy drivers have unique stakes in stunt driving cases. Jon Cohen employs strategic negotiation with Crown prosecutors to achieve outcomes that preserve platform eligibility:

• Complete Withdrawal: Eliminates all platform disqualification risk
• Charge Reduction: Reducing to regular speeding violations that don’t trigger platform exclusions
• Penalty Minimization: Avoiding license suspensions that create immediate platform deactivation

The Extended Court Process

Jon Cohen emphasizes that stunt driving charges result in a summons to appear in court, with the legal process often taking months to resolve. This extended timeline allows for comprehensive defense preparation and strategic Crown prosecutor negotiation to preserve income-earning capacity.

Nextlaw Client Success: Delivery Driver Case Study

“I was delivering for UberEats when I got pulled over for going 52 over on the 401 during a busy Friday night shift. I had no idea this could end my ability to work for any delivery company. Jon Cohen at Nextlaw explained that a stunt driving conviction would permanently disqualify me from all the apps I depend on for income. He negotiated with the prosecutor and got my charge completely withdrawn. I’m still driving for UberEats today and earning $1,200+ per week. Nextlaw literally saved my career.” – M.T., Toronto

Special Considerations for Different License Classes

Jon Cohen has identified that stunt driving impacts vary by license class, particularly affecting newer drivers:

G2 License Holders

While Skip the Dishes accepts G2 licenses and other platforms work with various license classes, stunt driving convictions create additional complications for novice drivers:

• Automatic Suspension: G2 drivers face automatic license suspension due to 6 demerit points exceeding novice driver limits
• Extended Impact: Novice drivers face longer paths to full license reinstatement
• Platform Restrictions: Some platforms have enhanced requirements for novice license holders

The Insurance Catastrophe for Gig Drivers

Beyond platform disqualification, stunt driving convictions create insurance crises that compound the career impact. Jon Cohen has documented that gig drivers face unique insurance challenges:

Commercial Insurance Requirements:

• Platform Requirements: Delivery work requires “commercial insurance policy or an endorsement”
• Post-Conviction Rates: Stunt driving convictions increase commercial insurance rates by 200-400%
• Coverage Denial: Many insurers refuse coverage for drivers with stunt driving convictions
• High-Risk Classification: Remaining insurers classify drivers as high-risk, requiring substantial deposits

Prevention Strategies for Delivery Drivers

As Ontario’s best stunt driving legal representative, Jon Cohen provides essential prevention advice for gig economy drivers:

Speed Management During Peak Hours

• Highway Driving: Never exceed 49 km/h over posted limits on highways (80+ km/h zones)
• City Driving: Never exceed 39 km/h over posted limits in urban areas (under 80 km/h zones)
• Rush Hour Awareness: Police target delivery drivers during peak hours when speeding is common
• GPS Speed Monitoring: Use apps that warn when approaching stunt driving thresholds

High-Risk Enforcement Areas

Jon Cohen has identified specific areas where delivery drivers face heightened stunt driving enforcement:

• Highway 401 Corridor: Regular enforcement between major delivery zones
• QEW Through Hamilton/Burlington: Frequent targeting of delivery vehicles
• Highway 404/DVP: High-volume enforcement during evening peak hours
• Regional Roads: Increased OPP presence on routes between cities

What to Do If Charged: Emergency Response for Gig Drivers

Jon Cohen provides this critical action plan for delivery drivers facing stunt driving charges:

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

1. Stop All Delivery Work: Immediately cease platform activity during 30-day suspension
2. Document Everything: Preserve evidence about road conditions, vehicle operation, and circumstances
3. Contact Nextlaw: Speak with Jon Cohen within 24 hours to begin defense strategy
4. Arrange Vehicle Recovery: Plan for 14-day impoundment period to minimize storage costs
5. Understand Court Process: Prepare for months-long legal proceedings to resolve the charge

Court Summons Timeline

• Immediate Action: Begin defense strategy immediately upon receiving summons
• Extended Process: Court proceedings can take several months to resolve
• Strategic Preparation: Use extended timeline for comprehensive defense building
• Crown Prosecutor Engagement: Months-long negotiation process for optimal outcomes

The Cost of Self-Representation for Gig Drivers

Jon Cohen has calculated that gig drivers face unique consequences from self-representation in stunt driving cases:

Self-Representation Outcomes:

• Conviction Rate: 85-95% conviction rate for self-represented defendants
• Career Loss: Permanent disqualification from $20,000-$40,000 annual income source
• Insurance Impact: 200-400% commercial insurance rate increases
• Total Financial Impact: $50,000-$150,000 over 3-5 years

Professional Representation with Nextlaw:

• Withdrawal Rate: 76% of cases result in charge withdrawal or reduction
• Career Preservation: Continued platform eligibility and income generation
• Insurance Protection: No impact on commercial insurance rates with withdrawal
• Investment Cost: $1,500-$2,500 for complete career protection

Contact Nextlaw – Protecting Gig Economy Careers

If you’re a delivery driver facing stunt driving charges, contact Nextlaw immediately for emergency consultation. With Jon Cohen’s proven track record of success and deep understanding of gig economy requirements, we provide the strategic defense necessary to preserve your livelihood and continue earning income through delivery platforms.

While the court process takes months to resolve, immediate action is critical to build the strongest possible defense and begin strategic negotiations with Crown prosecutors.

This analysis is based on official platform requirements, Provincial Offences Act data, and comprehensive case analysis by Nextlaw and Jon Cohen. Every legal case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific circumstances. Platform policies may change, and this analysis reflects current requirements as of 2024.