Do you ever wonder how the law handles stunt driving on a motorcycle compared to a car in Ontario? The truth is, it’s not a straightforward answer. Prosecutors in Ontario evaluate each stunt driving case uniquely, considering factors such as speed, time, age, road conditions, and location.
Stunt Driving on Motorcycles: A Public Safety Risk
Regardless of the vehicle involved, stunt driving is seen as a public safety hazard. By driving at extreme speeds, you’re placing both your life and the lives of others at risk. Motorcycles, due to their inherently riskier nature, typically attract more scrutiny. Therefore, if you’re accused of stunt driving on a motorcycle, the odds are rarely in your favour.
Why Motorcyclists Often Face Stunt Driving Charges in Ontario
In most instances, stunt driving charges in Ontario relate to excessive speeding, such as:
- Driving at 40km or more in a zone with an 80km/hr speed limit.
- Exceeding the speed limit by 50km or more in a zone with a limit above 80km/hr.
- Going at speeds of 150km or more on a highway, regardless of the posted speed limit—this mainly applies to Ontario’s 400-series highways with a speed limit of 110km/hr.
The chances of receiving a stunt driving charge while on a motorcycle, however, are statistically higher. There are specific stunts that, if performed on a motorcycle, can lead to a charge:
- Executing a wheel burnout, doughnut, or popping a wheelie.
In addition, the quick acceleration capability of motorcycles makes certain stunt driving charges more probable:
- Driving with the intent to make tires lose traction with the road surface.
- Racing by accelerating rapidly to distance oneself from other vehicles.
Do Motorcyclists Face Different Penalties for Stunt Driving?
The penalties for stunt driving in Ontario remain the same, regardless of the type of vehicle driven. These penalties, under Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act, include:
- Six (6) demerit points.
- Jail time up to six (6) months.
- Fourteen (14) days of immediate motor vehicle impoundment.
- A minimum fine of $2,000, reaching up to $10,000 plus a 25% victim surcharge for first-time offenders.
- Thirty (30) days of mandatory roadside licence suspension.
- Driver’s license suspension upon conviction, lasting from 1 to 3 years.
- Mandatory driver improvement course.
How to Approach Stunt Driving Charges on a Motorcycle in Ontario
If you find yourself facing stunt driving charges on a motorcycle, it’s strongly advised to seek legal help. Engaging a law firm with experience in Ontario stunt driving charges could be your best bet for preserving your driving privileges.
How is stunt driving evaluated in Ontario, especially on motorcycles?
In Ontario, prosecutors evaluate each stunt driving case uniquely, taking into account factors such as speed, time, age, road conditions, and location. Motorcycles, due to their inherently riskier nature, typically attract more scrutiny. Some specific actions like executing a wheel burnout, doughnut, popping a wheelie, driving with the intent to make tires lose traction with the road surface, and racing by accelerating rapidly can lead to stunt driving charges.
What are the penalties for stunt driving in Ontario?
The penalties for stunt driving in Ontario, under Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act, remain the same regardless of the type of vehicle driven. They include: Six demerit points, up to six months of jail time, fourteen days of immediate motor vehicle impoundment, a minimum fine of $2,000 up to $10,000 plus a 25% victim surcharge for first-time offenders, thirty days of mandatory roadside licence suspension, driver’s license suspension upon conviction for 1 to 3 years, and a mandatory driver improvement course.