Stunt Driving
Ontario Provincial Offences
Stunt driving can be incredibly dangerous. Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and other dangerous maneuvers can put people's lives at risk. This type of behavior is especially dangerous when done in residential areas, as pedestrians and other drivers may be unaware of the stunt driver's presence.
Have a Team Member Call You
Get Started Today to Discuss Your Legal Needs.
Stunt Driving
Stunt driving is illegal in Ontario. It's a serious offence and can lead to costly fines and suspension of a driver's license. Stunt driving involves any type of driving that is dangerous and shows a disregard for the safety of others. Some examples of stunt driving are speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, performing wheelies on motorcycles, and racing other vehicles. It's important to remember that even if a driver believes they are able to control their vehicle, stunt driving is still illegal and can have serious consequences.
The Ontario Provincial Police are actively enforcing laws against stunt driving throughout the province. According to their website, “Driving that is intended to show off or make an impression on others is considered stunt driving in Ontario.” Penalties for stunt driving include fines of up to $10,000, up to six months in jail, and a suspension of the driver’s license for up to two years.
The Ontario government is also introducing new measures to help combat stunt driving. This includes the implementation of “street racing” laws, which will allow police to seize and impound vehicles involved in street racing. Police will also be able to issue an immediate roadside license suspension for up to seven days for drivers caught engaged in stunt driving activities.
It's important to remember that stunt driving is illegal and can have serious consequences. Drivers should always exercise caution and drive responsibly. It's everyone's responsibility to help keep Ontario's roads safe.
Defences Against Street Racing
Street racing is a dangerous and illegal activity in many areas, including Ontario. If someone is caught participating in street racing, they can face harsh penalties, including hefty fines and even jail time.
For those facing such charges, it is important to have a good team to help them navigate the legal system. Here are some of the defences Cordaie Paralegal Services can use to help our clients fight street racing charges in Ontario.
Firstly, we may be able to argue that the accused was actually not street racing at all. This defence requires proof that the accused was not actually engaged in a speed contest, as defined by Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. For example, if they can show that the accused was not racing another vehicle, or that they were not deliberately exceeding the speed limit, the charges may be dropped.
Secondly, our team may be able to argue that the accused did not know that what they were doing constituted street racing. If they can prove that the accused was unaware that they were engaging in an illegal activity, then the charges may be dropped.
Thirdly, our paralegal may be able to argue that the accused was stopped unfairly. This defence requires proof that the police officer who stopped the accused did not have reasonable grounds to believe that street racing was taking place.
Fourthly, we may be able to argue that the accused’s rights were violated in some way. This defence requires proof that the accused’s Charter rights were not respected by the police officers, or that evidence was improperly collected.
Finally, our team may be able to argue that the accused was not the driver of the vehicle. This defence requires proof that someone else was driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence.
By exploring these defences, Cordaie Paralegal Services can help our clients fight street racing charges in Ontario. It is important to remember that these defences are simply strategies—defendants and their paralegals must still present a strong case in court to be successful.
For a free consultation call us at 844-4-WIN-4-ME.
Is there anything else you need to know?
We have everything you need in one place.
The majority of our rates can be found on our website. Bundled and unbundled services are available. Hiring us means you'll know what to expect when it comes to transparent, fast, easy, professional service.
Our team is here to help you with your legal issues. We have provided an overview of the types of cases we handle. In addition, we have provided a frequently asked questions page on our website.
It is important to understand the facts of your case if you have a legal matter. Choosing an experienced legal counsel who can craft a strategy for your case is the best way to proceed.
Stunt Driving Tickets
Some information you should know about stunt driving tickets.
Stunt Driving: The Importance of Challenging Them
Performing stunts on the highway in Ontario differs from driving normally. Anyone who exceeds the posted speed limit by more than 50km/h over the posted speed limit can receive a stunt driving traffic ticket under section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act. The consequences of committing a stunt driving offence for the second time will be harsher, so you should know everything about it.
Can You Be Charged With Stunt Driving?
Upon conviction, you will face a maximum fine of $10,000 (+25% victim surcharge) and a 30-day suspension of your license on the roadside, as well as a 14-day vehicle seizure. You'll also receive six demerit points as well as possible jail time and a suspension of your license for one to three years.
You must also complete a driver improvement course if you want to keep your license. According to Highway Traffic Act section 172 (1), nobody is allowed to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in a manner of contest, race, or stunt.
Stunt Driving Defined
SPEEDING-RELATED:
- Exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h in a posted 80 km/h or less zone
- Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h in a posted 100 km/h or more zone
- Driving a motor vehicle at 150 km/h or more
- Driving a car at a speed that exceeds the speed limit. “marked departure from the lawful rate of speed” means a rate of speed that may limit the driver’s ability to adjust to changing circumstances on the highway prudently”.
- Rapid acceleration is used to disengage from other vehicles
STUNTS RELATED:
- Trying to catch another vehicle
- Not sitting in the driver's seat while operating a motor vehicle
- The act of popping a wheelie on a motorcycle or performing wheel burnouts
- Intentionally causing some or all of the tires to lose traction on the highway
- Stand on the motorbike or let go of the steering wheel to step out of the motor vehicle
- If one of the motor vehicles occupies a lane of traffic or a portion of the highway intended for oncoming traffic for a longer period than is reasonably required to pass another motor vehicle, driving two or more motor vehicles side by side or in proximity to one another.
DID YOU KNOW:
- At an intersection, turning left before opposing traffic has a chance to pass safely
- Sled pulling, carrying people in the cab of a pickup truck or regular trunk
- Passing one or more vehicles at a rate of speed exceeding the speed limit
- The act of driving without reasonable consideration for other vehicles on the road or without due care and attention
Stunt Driving Could Result in Jail Time
Stunt driving is not technically a crime in Ontario. It is covered by section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act. This means that if your stunt driving offences are deemed to be severe, you could be sentenced to jail time as well. On top of that, you should know that in Ontario you are required to take a driving improvement course.
Stunt Driving Penalties
| Penalty Type | First-Time | Second-Time | Third (+) Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demerit Points | 6 demerit points | 6 demerit points | 6 demerit points |
| Fine | $2,000 - $10,00 + 25% victim surcharge | $2,000 - $10,00 + 25% victim surcharge | $2,000 - $10,00 + 25% victim surcharge |
| Term of Imprisonment | Up to 6 Months | Up to 6 Months | Up to 6 Months |
| License Roadside Suspension | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| License Suspension - Upon Conviction | 1 - 3 years | 10 Years Maximum | Life Time Maximum |
| Driving Improvement Course | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Insurance | High-Risk Rates, up to 6 years | High-Risk Rates, up to 6 years | High-Risk Rates, up to 6 years |
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- A driver's license will be suspended automatically if fines remain unpaid
- Driving improvement courses must be completed within 60 days of conviction or your driver's license will be revoked.
- Insurers will likely require high-risk coverage for stunt drivers. Your premiums will be very high for up to six years as a result.
Dealing with Stunt Driving Charges
When getting an invitation to court for stunt driving, it is important to prepare proof that your driver's licence has been reinstated and try to recover your motor vehicle as soon as possible. If you have even one conviction, it won't disappear from your driving record after 3 years and can lead to higher fines and more severe penalties.
Additionally, if you already have a record, it can hinder your ability to apply for jobs in governmental institutions. Insurance companies do not provide coverage to motorists who knowingly decide to drive a motor vehicle while under suspension.
The most important details are that there are three options for beating a stunt driving charge in Ontario: plead guilty, fight alone, or hire a stunt driving paralegal. An experienced counsel can negotiate in court to reduce the offence or get a reduced fine.
Dealing With it Alone
If you choose to fight your stunt driving charge alone, prepare all necessary documents or letters with relevant information, appear in court on a specified date, and ask for a trial. Before trial, prepare questions for the police officer and other witnesses to prove that the situation was different than the police officer's version. Do research about previously resolved cases to understand under what evidence and arguments the court make a decision. It can take up to three court dates to conclude your matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions.