Understanding Charges for Stunt Driving and Speeding in Ontario: A Detailed Guide. So, you’ve been pulled over and handed two tickets, one for stunt driving and another for speeding. Are you facing two separate charges? Do you have to contest both of them in court? Let’s unravel the mystery.
Demystifying Multiple Tickets for Stunt Driving in Ontario
Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, Section 172, a law enforcement officer is obligated to issue a stunt driving ticket / summons if you’re caught driving more than 40 km/h over the speed limit in a 70 km/h zone, or more than 50 km/h over in a zone of 80 km/h or higher. It’s this charge that leads to immediate penalties like a 30-day vehicle impoundment and license suspension. Not to mention, you could be facing additional penalties ranging from $2,000 – $10,000 fines, 1-3 year license suspension, and even possible jail time if convicted in court.
Why Did I Also Receive a Speeding Ticket Under Section 128 of the Highway Traffic Act?
It may seem redundant, but the issuance of both a stunt driving and a speeding ticket is not uncommon, although technically, they are not required. Despite being separate charges, the court typically treats the stunt driving and speeding as one consolidated offence. They are not tried separately, nor are you likely to be convicted of both. In fact, the speeding ticket isn’t mandatory; some officers issue both the Stunt Driving and Speeding tickets, while others stick with the stunt driving charge alone.
Why You Shouldn’t Panic Over Multiple Tickets
Here’s the good news: your forthcoming court appearance will primarily focus on the more serious charge, i.e., the stunt driving offence.
If you decide not to attend the court proceeding, it’s highly likely that you would only be convicted of the more serious offence, the stunt driving under Section 172. The speeding ticket typically serves the purpose of indicating the precise speed that led to the stunt driving charge.
Dealing With the Charges: A Need for Professional Guidance
Don’t lose sleep over the speeding ticket. Your primary concern should be the stunt driving charge as it carries the severe penalties that the court is likely to pursue. Therefore, it’s wise to seek legal advice from a law firm that specializes in stunt driving offences in Ontario. A specialist can help formulate a defence strategy to keep you on the road.
What is a Stunt Driving ticket?
A Stunt Driving ticket refers to a legal summons issued for alleged Stunt Driving offences. This summons mandates your appearance in an Ontario Provincial Offences court, where you are required to address and contest your Stunt Driving charges.
How much is a Stunt Driving ticket in Ontario?
A Stunt Driving ticket can lead to a minimum of \$2,000 in fines, up to a maximum of \$10,000 in fines upon a conviction.
What happens when you get a Stunt Driving ticket in Ontario?
When you get a Stunt Driving ticket in Ontario, you will get an automatic 30-day license suspension, a 14-day car tow & impound and you may be arrested at the roadside. You will then have to appear in an Ontario court at a later date to defend your charge from 1-3 year license suspension, fines, demerit points, up to 6 months in jail and more.
What are some penalties for Stunt Driving in Ontario?
A person pulled over for Stunt Driving in Ontario can be charged under section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act for exceeding a speed of 40km or more in a posted zone of 70 km or less, or a 50km speed in a posted zone 80 km or more. This charge carries severe penalties including a 30-day license suspension, possible jail time, and fines between $2,000 - $10,000.
Why did I receive both a Stunt Driving and Speeding ticket when pulled over?
The officer may issue both a Stunt Driving and Speeding ticket, but they are treated as one offence by the court and not tried separately. The only reason for the Speeding ticket is to accompany the Stunt Driving charge and show the actual speed you were traveling at. In the end, you will only be convicted of the more serious charge, Stunt Driving under section 172, and it is recommended to seek legal advice from a specialized law firm to help minimize the penalties.
