Stunt Driving and Dangerous Driving Charges in Ontario (2026)

Stunt Driving Penalties vs Dangerous Driving Penalties: A Side-by-Side Comparison

The penalties for these two charges differ dramatically. Here is what each charge carries upon conviction:

As you can see, dangerous driving carries far harsher maximum penalties. But stunt driving penalties are still among the most severe of any provincial traffic offence in Canada. Both charges demand serious legal representation.

Why a Criminal Record Changes Everything

The single biggest difference between stunt driving and dangerous driving is the criminal record. A stunt driving conviction stays on your driving abstract and hammers your insurance, but it does not appear on criminal background checks. A dangerous driving conviction does.

A criminal record for dangerous driving means:

• Employment barriers—many employers run background checks, and a criminal record can disqualify you from jobs in transportation, government, education, healthcare, finance, and security
• Travel restrictions—a criminal record can prevent you from entering the United States, and many other countries also deny entry to people with criminal convictions
• Professional licensing—regulated professions may deny, suspend, or revoke licences based on criminal records
• Housing challenges—landlords and property management companies increasingly conduct background checks
• Volunteer and coaching positions—organizations that work with children or vulnerable populations require clean criminal records
• Immigration consequences—a criminal conviction can affect immigration applications, permanent residency, and citizenship proceedings

A stunt driving conviction is serious, but it doesn’t follow you into these areas of life. This is why the distinction matters so much—and why fighting a dangerous driving charge is absolutely critical.

Can You Be Charged With Both Stunt Driving and Dangerous Driving?

Yes. Because these charges come from two different statutes—one provincial, one federal—police can lay both charges for the same incident. This happens more often than people expect, particularly when the circumstances involve very high speeds, aggressive driving behaviour, an accident, or injuries.

When both charges are laid, the cases may proceed on parallel tracks: stunt driving in provincial offences court and dangerous driving in criminal court. This creates additional complexity and stress, but it also creates opportunities for a skilled legal representative to negotiate. In many cases, one charge can be withdrawn as part of a resolution on the other.

I was charged with stunt driving in the Dunnville area, by a hero cop from the Hamilton Police department. Stunt driving is a very serious charge. I did alot of research on choosing the right lawyer for my charges and spoke with multiple law firms. I honestly choose Next Law from the reviews on line and from a conversation with Jon. Next Law does most of there communication through text and email which my wife complained about, personal I think it is great. EVERYTIME I actually needed to talk with someone they always got back to me. All my charges were dropped, and I ended up with the speeding ticket. Next Law did what they said they would do and I got me off my charges !!!!!
Reasonable rates with amazing results, thanks guys.
To the Hamilton Police Department, you should be ashamed of yourselfs. Allowing police to set up speed traps and charge people for a crime that was not actually committed !!!!! I was not stunt driving, just speeding in an area that goes from 80 kms to 50 kms then right back to 80 kms again.

Thanks NextLaw

Terry O’Donoghue

Terry’s case is a great example of how stunt driving charges can be laid in situations where the driver wasn’t doing anything reckless—and why fighting back matters.

Ontario Stunt Driving Statistics: What the Numbers Show

Provincial data from October 2024 to September 2025 paints a clear picture of how stunt driving charges are handled across Ontario. These numbers apply specifically to stunt driving under the Highway Traffic Act—dangerous driving charges under the Criminal Code are tracked separately.

The key number: 48.3% of stunt driving charges are withdrawn or resolved favourably. That means nearly half of all people charged with stunt driving in Ontario see their charges dropped or reduced. With the right legal representation, your chances of a favourable outcome improve significantly.

What Our Clients Say About Fighting Stunt Driving Charges

We don’t ask you to take our word for it. Here is what real Ontario drivers have said after NextLaw handled their cases:

Absolutely Incredible Experience with Next Law, Professional, Compassionate, and Results-Driven

I don’t often write reviews, but in this case, I felt truly compelled to share my experience with Next Law and the outstanding legal support I received from Jon and his team. If you’re facing any driving-related charges especially something as serious as stunt driving this is the law firm you want by your side.

A few months ago, I was pulled over and charged with stunt driving for what was simply a lane change that was misinterpreted by the officer. As someone who takes driving and safety seriously, I was shocked and overwhelmed by the severity of the charge. I immediately knew I needed expert legal help, and after some research and recommendations, I reached out to Next Law.

From the very first interaction, Jon and his staff were professional, attentive, and incredibly reassuring. They walked me through the legal process in clear terms, laid out realistic expectations, and handled every detail with precision. They were always responsive, kind, and truly made me feel like my case mattered to them personally.

Yesterday, I received a call from Jon that I will never forget, he informed me that the stunt driving charge had been dropped, and the matter was reduced to a simple speeding ticket. The relief and gratitude I felt in that moment are hard to put into words. What could have been a devastating and stressful ordeal ended with a fair and manageable outcome, and it’s all thanks to Jon and the phenomenal team at Next Law.

They are without a doubt the best in the business when it comes to traffic law. If you find yourself facing charges don’t wait. Reach out to Next Law immediately. They know what they’re doing, they care about their clients, and they deliver results.

This experience could have gone very differently without them. I’m beyond grateful and can’t recommend them highly enough.

Thank you, Jon. Thank you, Next Law. You changed my life.

Brandon Deboer

Brandon was charged with stunt driving for a lane change that the officer interpreted as a stunt—a reminder that these charges can arise from situations that don’t involve extreme speeds.

Next Law is by far the best law firm there is when it comes to stunt driving. Their legal team is
experienced and expert at handling crucial stunt driving cases. Each case is different and that
is exactly how they handle it. I had a stunt ticket about a few months ago. This is not a simple
speeding ticket as the complications of being convicted are huge. They have provided
seamless and smooth phone advice since the first interaction. They map you a great roadmap
with multiple links and videos over texts as well as emails. They also have a payment plan
option to make things financially easy if needed. Jon & Dan, law firm partners at Next Law are
both great guys who helped me anytime I had a question. They respond to you every time any
update comes up which makes you feel stress free. They are great for reducing your stunt
ticket or entirely dismissing it depending on the situation. (Remember, each case is different,
and cannot expect the same result for every case in the same manner). Personally, my stunt
ticket was reduced to a speeding ticket which is the best possible outcome in my case (10/10).
I personally know that Next Law is the best firm to reach out to for guidance and the best
possible outcomes related to speeding or stunt driving. I appreciate them a lot and 100% recommend to anyone who might be in need. Cheers all

Vidhan Dholakia

Vidhan highlights an important point—the complications of a stunt driving conviction go far beyond the fine. Having the charge reduced to a speeding ticket eliminates the suspension, the insurance devastation, and the demerit point hit.

IMPRESSIVE!!!!!
Seriously don’t waste a single minute in your search for a help on stunt driving issue.
I have a clean clean driving record but when you’re committed that’s it , you need to pick up the phone , speak to Jon’NextLaw’ ,don’t ever rely on your clean record as this has nothing to do when you’re committed with serious driving issue like stunt driving.

Jonathan ‘NextLaw’ is your GO to sort things out . Reaching out to Jon is the best thing I’ve ever done , it’s a huge pain relief. You simply need to listen to his instruction and enjoy the ride . Jon explained to me the entire process from A to Z then getting things done accordingly and professionally is the magic key. Turning stunt driving into regular speeding ticket is just a MIRACLE.

Thanks million Jon ‘NextLaw’ for sensational, outstanding outcome and excellent service .

I am extremely happy, satisfied and impressed for all results . Your valued efforts and support is highly appreciated .
You ROCK!!

ADAM LAMER

Adam’s experience shows that even with a clean record, a stunt driving charge is still serious—but having the right legal team turns the situation around.

I received my first speeding ticket in Canada after living here twelve years. Unfortunately, it was a stunt driving ticket. I was late picking up my kids and I wasn’t looking at my speed. The police officer made me feel horrible. He said that stunt driving is worse than drunk driving. This was a ticket cop in Burlington. This was a very stressful situation because I have never experienced anything like this before. Luckily, I found Jon at Next Law. The first phone call relieved my stress because Jon explained everything to me. Three months later, Jon reduced this offence to a speeding ticket. He even got the speed reduced, this was a better outcome then we discussed. I am forever thankful to Jon and I will always recommend this Law firm. If you are in a similar situation, I would set up a phone call with Next Law right away. You won’t regret it, Jon is a Pro! If I could, I would give Next Law ten starts!

Prey, hope, and don’t worry! ~ Padre Pio

Aneta S

The officer told Aneta that stunt driving is worse than drunk driving. That comparison is inaccurate—drunk driving is a criminal offence, while stunt driving under the HTA is not. This kind of confusion between provincial and criminal charges is exactly why understanding the difference matters.

Nothing short but amazing! I was very skeptical reading all these 5 start reviews however they are totally deserving. My son was charged with stunt driving in a mall parking lot early in the morning with no one around (except the cop across the street). I needed some help and was thankful I landed in the right hands. From beginning to end, I was kept well informed of the process and what to expect. Long story short, the charges were dropped. I am forever grateful! I recommended their services to a friend whose son was also charged with stunt driving. They worked their magic for his case as well (speeding). These will be my go to lawyers for anything traffic related (let’s hope I don’t need them for a while).

Cali B

Cali’s son was charged with stunt driving in a parking lot with nobody around. The charges were dropped entirely. Context matters in these cases, and a strong legal representative knows how to present that context effectively.

How NextLaw Defends Stunt Driving and Dangerous Driving Charges

Stunt driving and dangerous driving cases require different defence strategies because they operate under different legal frameworks. At NextLaw, Jonathan Cohen and our team have deep experience with both.

Defending Stunt Driving Charges

For stunt driving cases, we start by requesting full disclosure from the prosecution—the officer’s report, notes, calibration records, speed measurement data, and any video or witness statements. We analyze every detail for weaknesses in the evidence. Then we negotiate directly with the Crown prosecutor, presenting our analysis and arguing for withdrawal or reduction of the charge.

Provincial data shows that 39.2% of stunt driving charges are withdrawn before trial and another 9.1% are withdrawn at trial. Many cases are resolved by having the stunt driving charge dropped to a simple speeding ticket—which eliminates the licence suspension, drastically reduces the fine, and minimizes the insurance impact.

Defending Dangerous Driving Charges

Dangerous driving cases are more complex because the Crown must prove the criminal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is a higher burden of proof than provincial offences. We examine every piece of evidence: witness statements, accident reconstruction reports, dashcam or bodycam footage, road conditions, weather, and the officer’s observations.

The defence often centres on challenging whether the driving actually constituted a “marked departure” from what a reasonable person would do. Many situations that look dangerous at first glance have explanations: mechanical failure, medical emergencies, road conditions, or the actions of other drivers. We identify these defences and build the strongest possible case.

When Both Charges Are Laid

When a client faces both stunt driving and dangerous driving charges from the same incident, our goal is to resolve both matters in the best way possible. Often, negotiation can result in the dangerous driving charge being withdrawn—which eliminates the criminal record risk—with the stunt driving charge being reduced to a lesser offence. Every case is unique, and we tailor our strategy to the specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stunt Driving and Dangerous Driving in Ontario

Is stunt driving a criminal offence in Ontario?

No. Stunt driving is a provincial offence under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, not a criminal charge. It will not appear on a criminal record. However, it carries severe penalties including fines of $2,000 to $10,000, licence suspension up to 2 years, and up to 6 months in jail. While the penalties are harsh, the absence of a criminal record is a critical distinction from dangerous driving.

Is dangerous driving a criminal offence in Ontario?

Yes. Dangerous driving is a criminal offence under section 320.13 of the Criminal Code of Canada. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks, affects employment, limits international travel, and cannot be easily removed. Penalties include up to 2 years in prison for a summary conviction or up to 10 years for an indictable offence, with up to 14 years if bodily harm or death is involved.

Can you be charged with both stunt driving and dangerous driving at the same time?

Yes. Because stunt driving and dangerous driving are charged under different statutes, police can lay both charges for the same incident. This sometimes happens in cases involving extreme speeds or aggressive driving behaviour. If both charges proceed, you could face penalties under both the Highway Traffic Act and the Criminal Code. A skilled legal representative can often negotiate to have one or both charges withdrawn or reduced.

What are the chances of getting a stunt driving charge withdrawn in Ontario?

Provincial data from over 11,284 stunt driving charges shows that 48.3% of all stunt driving charges in Ontario are withdrawn or resolved favourably. Many charges are withdrawn entirely or reduced to simple speeding tickets. A skilled legal representative can identify weaknesses in the evidence and negotiate with the Crown for a favourable outcome.

Does stunt driving show up on a background check in Ontario?

A stunt driving conviction under the Highway Traffic Act does not appear on a criminal background check because it is a provincial offence, not a criminal charge. However, it will appear on your driving record (abstract) for 3 years and will significantly impact your insurance rates. A dangerous driving conviction, on the other hand, creates a permanent criminal record that appears on all standard background checks.

Can a stunt driving charge be upgraded to dangerous driving?

In some cases, the Crown prosecutor or police may add a dangerous driving charge after reviewing the evidence from a stunt driving incident. This typically happens when there are aggravating factors such as an accident, injuries, extremely reckless behaviour, or evidence of impairment. If you have been charged with stunt driving, it is important to get legal representation quickly to protect your interests before additional charges are considered.

Talk to NextLaw About Your Stunt Driving or Dangerous Driving Charge

Whether you’re facing a stunt driving charge, a dangerous driving charge, or both, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Jonathan Cohen and the team at NextLaw have helped thousands of Ontario drivers fight these charges and protect their driving records, their careers, and their futures.

Every case starts with a free consultation where we review your charge, explain your options, and give you a clear picture of what we can do for you. There’s no obligation and no pressure—just honest advice from a legal team that handles stunt driving and dangerous driving cases every single day.

Book your free consultation with NextLaw today and let us help you fight your charge.