Stunt Driving in Ontario: What You Need to Know About the Toughest Highway Penalties
Table of Contents
What Is Stunt Driving in Ontario?
The Legal Definition Under the Highway Traffic Act
Common Behaviours That Count as Stunt Driving
Immediate Penalties for Stunt Driving
Fines
Licence Suspension
Vehicle Impoundment
Court Convictions and Long-Term Consequences
Demerit Points
Insurance Impact
Criminal Code Overlap
How Stunt Driving Differs from Careless Driving
What to Do If You’re Charged with Stunt Driving
How Venti Legal Protects Drivers Facing Stunt Driving Charges
Conclusion
FAQs
1. What Is Stunt Driving in Ontario?
Stunt driving is one of the most serious traffic offences in Ontario. Unlike a typical speeding ticket, a stunt driving charge under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) comes with immediate roadside penalties and long-term consequences that can derail your driving record, your insurance rates, and even your career if driving is part of your livelihood.
2. The Legal Definition Under the Highway Traffic Act
Section 172 of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act defines stunt driving broadly. It isn’t limited to racing or street takeovers. The law applies to anyone who:
Drives 40 km/h or more over the posted limit where the speed limit is under 80 km/h.
Drives 50 km/h or more over the posted limit where the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher.
Engages in racing or “contests of speed.”
Performs dangerous manoeuvres like burnouts, doughnuts, or wheelies.
3. Common Behaviours That Count as Stunt DrivingYou may be surprised at how easy it is to be charged with stunt driving. Examples include:
Accelerating aggressively to “beat” another driver at a green light.
Swerving dangerously through traffic.
Driving without due care for weather or road conditions.
Engaging in street races or performing tricks.
What feels like a “quick thrill” can result in one of the harshest driving penalties in Ontario.
4. Immediate Penalties for Stunt Driving
Ontario law gives police the power to punish stunt driving on the spot, before your day in court.
Fines
Minimum fine: $2,000
Maximum fine: $10,000
Licence Suspension
Immediate roadside suspension: 30 days
Vehicle Impoundment
Immediate vehicle seizure: 14 days (you pay the towing and storage fees).
5. Court Convictions and Long-Term Consequences
If convicted in court, the penalties escalate further:
Demerit Points: 6 demerit points added to your record.
Licence Suspension: Up to 3 years for repeat offenders.
Insurance Impact: Conviction is treated like a major offence. Premiums often triple—or coverage may be denied altogether.
Criminal Code Overlap: In extreme cases (like injuries or deaths), a stunt driving charge can escalate into dangerous driving or criminal negligence charges under the Criminal Code.
6. How Stunt Driving Differs from Careless DrivingCareless Driving: Broader, less severe charge. Focuses on driving without due care or attention.
Stunt Driving: Narrower but harsher. Targets high-risk, aggressive behaviour with automatic roadside penalties.
Both are serious, but stunt driving carries the most severe non-criminal highway penalties in Ontario.
7. What to Do If You’re Charged with Stunt Driving
Don’t plead guilty right away. The consequences are too severe.
Request disclosure. Review the evidence against you.
Consult a lawyer immediately. An experienced defence can often reduce the charge or challenge the evidence.
8. How Venti Legal Protects Drivers Facing Stunt Driving Charges
At Venti Legal, we understand that a stunt driving charge isn’t just a ticket—it’s a threat to your future. Our traffic defence team:
Reviews whether police followed proper procedures.
Challenges radar/lidar evidence and officer testimony.
Negotiates with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
We fight to protect your licence, your insurance rates, and your ability to keep driving.
9. Conclusion
Stunt driving laws in Ontario are designed to send a message: reckless driving won’t be tolerated. But the penalties are so severe that one mistake—or one misunderstanding—can have life-changing consequences.
That’s why you need a defence strategy. At Venti Legal, we defend drivers facing stunt driving charges, protecting their records, finances, and futures. Don’t face Ontario’s toughest highway penalties alone—get expert legal defence.
Book a Consultation on Your Matter
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FAQs
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No, it is a Highway Traffic Act offence, but serious cases may lead to criminal charges.
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Yes. Even if you’re driving someone else’s vehicle, it will still be impounded.
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At least 3 years, but insurance companies may consider it for much longer.
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Yes. A skilled lawyer can challenge the evidence, negotiate reductions, or seek alternative resolutions.
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Novice drivers face even tougher consequences, including licence cancellation.
