What Are the Chances of Avoiding $2,000 or More in Fines for Stunt Driving?
As someone who has defended thousands of stunt driving cases across Ontario, I need to put this question in perspective: if you’re convicted of stunt driving, the minimum fine is $2,000 under Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act. However, fines are arguably the least damaging consequence you’ll face.
Let me be clear: courts can arrange payment plans over months or even years for fines. But you can’t arrange a payment plan for your ability to drive. The mandatory one-year license suspension is what destroys lives—not the fine you can pay over time.
The Legal Reality of Stunt Driving Fines
Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act mandates:
- Minimum fine: $2,000 (no exceptions)
- Maximum fine: $10,000
- First offence: Typically $2,000-$3,000
- Repeat offences: Often $5,000-$10,000
These fines are mandatory upon conviction. The only way to avoid them is to avoid conviction entirely.
Ontario Court Fine Statistics
According to the Ontario Court of Justice Annual Report, fine enforcement shows interesting patterns:
| Fine Category | Average Fine Amount | Payment Plans Granted | Average Payment Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highway Traffic Act | $325 | 78% | 6-12 months |
| Provincial Offences (Serious) | $1,500 | 85% | 12-24 months |
| Criminal Code Summary | $2,000 | 91% | 18-36 months |
*Source: Ontario Court of Justice Annual Statistical Report 2023
The Court’s Approach to Fine Payment
Ontario courts recognize that large fines can create hardship. According to the Ministry of the Attorney General:
- Courts must inquire about ability to pay before imposing fines
- Fine option programs allow community service in lieu of payment
- Extension applications are routinely granted for financial hardship
- Default of payment rarely results in imprisonment if efforts are made
*Source: Ministry of the Attorney General, Fine Administration Guidelines
Why the Fine Isn’t Your Primary Concern
Consider the real costs of a stunt driving conviction versus the fine:
| Consequence | Duration/Cost | Can It Be Mitigated? |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | $2,000-$10,000 | Yes – payment plans available |
| License Suspension | Minimum 1 year | No – mandatory |
| Insurance Impact | 300-400% increase for 3-6 years | No – industry standard |
| Employment Loss | Immediate if driving required | No – can’t drive for work |
Using Nextlaw’s Resources
To understand the full scope of consequences beyond fines, use our Stunt Driving Penalty Test. This tool helps you see why the fine is often the least of your worries.
For immediate guidance on protecting what really matters—your license—contact our Stunt Driving 24/7 Helpline.
Provincial Offences Court Data on Fines
Analyzing Provincial Offences Court data reveals the true scale of stunt driving penalties:
| Year | Stunt Driving Charges | Potential Minimum Fines | Mandatory Suspensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27,602 | $55,204,000 | 27,602 (1 year each) |
| 2024 | 33,150 | $66,300,000 | 33,150 (1 year each) |
*Source: Provincial Offences Act Court Data (2021-2024)
Court Collection Statistics
According to the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario, court fine collection shows:
- $1.4 billion in outstanding court fines province-wide (2023)
- Average collection period: 2.7 years for fines over $1,000
- Payment plan approval rate: 83% for fines over $500
- License plate denial for unpaid fines affects 4.2% of Ontario drivers
*Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario, Court Fine Collections Report 2023
Real Client Success Story
My son had been charged with stunt driving, an automatic 14 day vehicle impound and 30 day license suspension with very serious consequences including automatic license suspension for 1 year, fines between \$2000 and \$ 10000 and high insurance rate increases. Our first shock didn’t compare to the overwhelming feeling we felt when we heard of the penalties. We immediately sought legal advice to best represent our son’s case. We phoned several different traffic representatives and were frustrated with the prices quoted. Then we came upon the Next Law youtube channel, watched their videos and immediately felt better, we felt there was a light at the end of the tunnel. We hired Jon Cohen who handled the case with care and expertise. A very professional firm. I am happy to say that the outcome was the best case scenario. All charges were withdrawn and we ended up with a $200 fine and no points. If you are charged with stunt driving, we highly recommend that you seek legal representation and we would recommend NextLaw hands down. I am hoping that my son learnt his lesson, but I am grateful that we chose the best team to represent our case. – Ashley H.
The True Cost Beyond the Fine
Statistics Canada data on household transportation costs reveals the real financial impact:
- Average annual cost of vehicle ownership in Ontario: \$11,000
- Average annual cost of alternative transportation during suspension: $8,500
- Lost income for driving-dependent jobs: $35,000-$75,000 annually
- Total first-year cost of conviction (beyond fine): $30,000-$85,000
*Source: Statistics Canada, Survey of Household Spending 2022
Payment Plans: The Court’s Safety Valve
Ontario courts understand financial hardship. The Provincial Offences Act specifically provides for:
- Time to pay applications (Section 66)
- Extension of time applications (Section 69)
- Fine option program participation (Section 69.1)
- Relief from forfeiture for genuine inability to pay
In my experience, courts routinely grant payment plans of $100-200 monthly for large fines, extending payment over 2-3 years.
The Unquantifiable Damages
While fines can be paid over time, the real damages can’t be quantified or delayed:
- Family impact: Unable to drive children to school, medical appointments, activities
- Employment: Job loss if driving is required; limited job opportunities
- Mental health: Stress, anxiety, and depression from mobility loss
- Social isolation: Difficulty maintaining relationships and commitments
- Financial cascade: Lost income far exceeds any fine amount
Strategic Priority: License Over Fine
The message is clear: a $2,000 fine payable over two years is manageable. A one-year license suspension is devastating. The strategic focus must be on avoiding conviction to preserve your license, not minimizing the fine.
Consider these realities:
- Fine of $2,000 over 24 months = $83/month
- Cost of Uber/transit for one year = $700-1,000/month
- Lost income from job requiring driving = \$3,000-6,000/month
Focus on What Really Matters
Yes, conviction means a minimum $2,000 fine. But courts will work with you on payment. What they won’t work with you on is the mandatory license suspension that can destroy your livelihood and family stability.
The fine is just money—payable over time. Your license is your freedom, your job, your family’s mobility. That’s what you’re really fighting for.
For a comprehensive understanding of all consequences—not just fines—use our Stunt Driving Penalty Test. For immediate strategic guidance focused on protecting your license, contact our 24/7 Helpline.
Remember: courts will always work with you on fine payment. They won’t negotiate on your ability to drive. Focus on what truly matters.
*Disclaimer: All statistics cited are from publicly available sources including Ontario Court of Justice, Financial Accountability Office of Ontario, Statistics Canada, and Ministry of the Attorney General. Court practices may vary by jurisdiction.
