An easy-to-read guide for those unfamiliar with the court process in Ontario
Stunt driving is a serious offence in Ontario that comes with various penalties depending on the stage of the legal process. In this article, we’ll break down these penalties into three different stages:
- Immediate Roadside penalties
- Court conviction penalties, and
- After court penalties
What are the immediate Roadside Penalties for Stunt Driving?
If you’re pulled over for stunt driving in Ontario, you’ll face immediate penalties under Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), including:
- Immediate 30-day license suspension in Ontario
- Immediate 14-day tow of your vehicle and removal to an impound facility as directed by a police officer; and
- Possible arrest while the officer issue the summons
What are the Court Penalties after a Stunt Driving Conviction?
Once you complete your court proceedings, if you are convicted of your Stunt Driving charge, you will be subject to the following penalties:
- A mandatory license of 1 year, and a maximum of up to 3 years
- A fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000. These fines are subject to an additional 25% court imposed cost called the “victim surcharge”
- A total of 6 demerit points that will be issued by the MTO
- A possibility of up to 6 months in prison or jail
- A mandatory driver improvement course for license reinstatement
What are the long-Term Penalties After a Stunt Driving Conviction?
After you’ve paid your fines, instated your driver’s license, completed your possible jail-time, you may still face hardship moving forward. Once a Stunt Driving conviction is registered on your driving record, you will have to contend with insurance hardships in order to get back on the road. Post-conviction, you may still experience challenges related to your stunt driving record, such as:
- Being labeled a “high-risk” driver by insurance companies
- Skyrocketing insurance rates or being denied coverage for an indefinite period of time
- There may be long-term financial hardships after a year or more of not being able to drive
- There may be psychological and social trauma resulting from imprisonment
Try the Free Stunt Penalty Calculator
To better understand the potential outcomes of your case, use the free Stunt Penalty calculator. This tool assesses your charges and provides an estimate of the penalties you may face in an Ontario court.
What immediate roadside penalties can one expect for stunt driving in Ontario?
If you are pulled over for stunt driving in Ontario, you will face immediate penalties according to Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). These penalties include an immediate 30-day license suspension, a 14-day tow of your vehicle and its removal to an impound facility as directed by a police officer, and a possible arrest while the officer issues the summons.
What long-term consequences might follow a stunt driving conviction in Ontario?
A stunt driving conviction registered on your driving record can lead to various long-term challenges. These include being labeled a 'high-risk' driver by insurance companies, experiencing skyrocketing insurance rates or being denied coverage for an indefinite period, enduring financial hardships due to not being able to drive for a year or more, and facing psychological and social trauma resulting from imprisonment.