Stunt Driving Penalties in Ontario: What You Need to Know
Stunt driving has recently become an increasing concern on Ontario’s roads. The province has implemented strict penalties for those caught engaging in stunt driving or street racing to combat this dangerous behaviour. Understanding these penalties is crucial for all drivers in Ontario to promote road safety and avoid severe consequences.
What Constitutes Stunt Driving?
Before delving into the penalties, it’s essential to understand what actions can lead to a Stunt driving charge in Ontario. According to the Highway Traffic Act, stunt driving includes:
- Driving 40 km/h or more over the speed limit where the limit is less than 80 km/h
- Driving 50 km/h or more over the speed limit where the limit is 80 km/h or higher
- Driving 150 km/h or more anywhere in the province
- Performing dangerous maneuvers like drifting, wheelies, or driving with someone in the trunk
- Racing or chasing another vehicle
- Deliberately preventing other vehicles from passing
- Driving without due care and attention for other road users
Immediate Roadside Penalties
When a driver is caught Stunt driving in Ontario, they face immediate penalties at the roadside:
- License Suspension: The driver’s license is immediately suspended for 30 days.
- Vehicle Impoundment: The vehicle is impounded for 14 days, regardless of who owns it.
These immediate penalties are designed to swiftly remove dangerous drivers from the road and serve as a deterrent against future offences.
Post-Conviction Penalties
If convicted of stunt driving, the penalties become even more severe:
- Fines: A minimum fine of $2,000 and a maximum of $10,000 is imposed.
- Demerit Points: Six demerit points are added to the driver’s record.
- License Suspension: Upon conviction, the driver’s license can be suspended for:
- 1 to 3 years for a first conviction
- 3 to 10 years for a second conviction
- An indefinite period for a third conviction
- A lifetime suspension for a fourth conviction
- Possible Jail Time: In some cases, offenders may face up to six months in jail.
- Insurance Implications: A stunt driving conviction can lead to significantly higher insurance premiums or even policy cancellation.
- Mandatory Driver Improvement Course: As of April 1, 2022, convicted drivers must complete a driver improvement course within 60 days of conviction or face license cancellation.
Increased Penalties for Novice Drivers
Novice drivers (those with G1, G2, M1, or M2 licenses) face additional consequences. They may have their license suspended for at least 30 days and possibly cancelled when convicted of stunt driving.
Impact on Driving Record and Insurance
A Stunt driving conviction remains on a driver’s record for at least three years. This can have long-lasting effects on insurance rates, potentially increasing premiums by 100% or more. Some insurance companies may even refuse to cover drivers with a Stunt driving conviction, leaving them without any insurance coverage and exposing them to significant financial risks in case of an accident.
Recent Updates to Stunt Driving Laws
Ontario has recently updated its Stunt driving laws to address the rising incidence of this dangerous behaviour. These updates are not just arbitrary changes, but they are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety and to protect the lives and well-being of all road users.
- Lower Speed Threshold: As of July 1, 2021, the threshold for stunt driving charges was lowered to 40 km/h over the limit on roads with speed limits under 80 km/h.
- Increased License Suspension: The roadside license suspension was increased from 7 to 30 days.
- Extended Vehicle Impoundment: Vehicle impoundment was extended from 7 to 14 days.
- Mandatory Driver Improvement Course: Introduced in April 2022, this requirement aims to educate offenders and reduce recidivism.
Enforcement and Deterrence
The Ontario Provincial Police and local law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in enforcing Stunt driving laws. They use various methods, including aerial enforcement, unmarked vehicles, and targeted blitzes to catch offenders. These measures are not just random checks, but they are part of a comprehensive strategy to deter stunt driving and to ensure the safety of all road users.
The severe penalties associated with stunt driving are not just punitive measures, but they are designed to deter such behaviour. Research has shown that implementing Ontario’s street racing and Stunt driving law has positively impacted road safety, decreasing speed-related collisions and casualties. This is not just a statistical fact, but it is a testament to the effectiveness of these measures in making our roads safer for everyone.
Conclusion
Ontario’s Stunt driving penalties are not to be taken lightly. They are among the province’s most severe traffic-related sanctions, reflecting the serious nature of the offence and its potential to cause harm to both the offender and other road users. The combination of immediate roadside penalties, post-conviction sanctions, and long-term consequences is a powerful deterrent against this dangerous behaviour.
Understanding these penalties is not just about avoiding fines or license suspensions—it’s about taking an active role in promoting a culture of safety on our roads. By refraining from stunt driving and encouraging others to do the same, each one of us can contribute to making Ontario’s roads safer for everyone.
Always remember, the thrill of stunt driving is never worth the risk to your life, the lives of others, or the severe legal and financial consequences that follow. It’s our collective responsibility to drive responsibly and within the limits of the law.
What are the immediate penalties for stunt driving in Ontario?
In Ontario, immediate penalties for stunt driving include a 30-day license suspension and a 14-day vehicle impoundment.
What are the post-conviction penalties for stunt driving in Ontario?
Post-conviction penalties for stunt driving in Ontario include fines from $2,000 to $10,000, six demerit points, possible jail time, and mandatory driver improvement courses.
