Ontario Traffic Defense
A stunt driving charge starts at the roadside: a 30 day license suspension and a 14 day vehicle impoundment, before any court has heard a word. On conviction the penalties are far heavier, including a minimum one year suspension. The time to act is now, while the evidence is fresh. Have it reviewed today.
Stunt driving is charged under section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act. Under Ontario law you can be charged if you:
The speed thresholds catch many ordinary drivers who were not "racing" anyone. Doing 90 in a 50 zone, or 130 on a 400 series highway, is stunt driving in Ontario. It is not a criminal charge, but it is treated as one of the most serious offenses under the HTA.
Two separate sets of consequences apply, and drivers are often surprised by the second.
| Stage | Penalty |
|---|---|
| At the roadside, immediately | 30 day license suspension · 14 day vehicle impoundment (you pay towing and storage) |
| On conviction, fine | $2,000 to $10,000 |
| On conviction, suspension | Minimum 1 year (first offense); 3 years for a second; longer after that |
| On conviction, points | 6 demerit points |
| On conviction, jail | Up to 6 months |
| Insurance | Often the most costly part, premiums can multiply, and some insurers will not renew |
Figures above are general guidance, not a quote for your matter. Set fines, surcharges and court costs vary, and the amounts change over time. A driver improvement course is also required on conviction.
Stunt driving cases move quickly and turn on the evidence, so the review starts immediately:
You will usually not need to attend court yourself, filing, disclosure, the prosecutor and the hearing are handled for you.
Exceeding the limit by 40 km/h or more where the limit is under 80 km/h, by 50 km/h or more where the limit is 80 or higher, or driving at 150 km/h or more anywhere. It also covers street racing and a list of specific manoeuvres such as burnouts, wheelies and drifting. Most stunt driving charges in Ontario are for speed alone.
At the roadside your license is suspended for 30 days and your vehicle is impounded for 14 days, immediately, before any court date. If you are later convicted, you face a fine of $2,000 to $10,000, six demerit points, a minimum one year suspension (three years for a second conviction), possible jail time, and a very large increase in insurance. The roadside penalties run regardless; the conviction is what a defense addresses.
A licensed paralegal reviews the disclosure, tests the speed evidence and the officer's account, and where appropriate negotiates with the prosecutor to resolve the matter as a lesser offense, one without the mandatory one year suspension. We represent you in Provincial Offences Court so that in most cases you do not attend yourself. Results depend on the facts; no outcome is guaranteed.
Don't pay it yet
The roadside suspension has already started. A free 15 minute review tells you what the conviction would mean and what can be done about it.
