Defending Drivers Across Ontario
Stunt Driving Charges in Ontario:
Penalties and How to Fight Back
If you were charged with stunt driving in Ontario, you were likely issued a 30-day roadside licence suspension and had your vehicle impounded on the spot — before any court date. That happens regardless of whether you’re ultimately convicted.
A conviction makes it significantly worse. Fines range from $2,000 to $10,000, you face a mandatory licence suspension of 1 to 3 years, and most insurance companies treat stunt driving as a major conviction — meaning dramatic premium increases or outright policy cancellation.
Given what’s at stake, paying the ticket or pleading guilty without speaking to a paralegal first is almost never the right move. Street Legal represents Ontario drivers charged with stunt driving and racing under the Highway Traffic Act.
Penalties for Stunt Driving Tickets
| Penalty | First Offence |
|---|---|
| Fine | $2,000–$10,000 + 25% victim surcharge |
| Demerit Points | 6 upon conviction |
| Roadside Licence Suspension | 30 days (immediate) |
| Vehicle Impoundment | 14 days (immediate, at your expense) |
| Licence Suspension on Conviction | 1–3 years |
| Jail | Up to 6 months |
| Driver Improvement Course | Mandatory |
| Driving Record | Conviction remains 3 years |
Additional consequences may include:
- Dramatic insurance premium increases at renewal
- Possible policy cancellation — some insurers will not cover drivers with a stunt driving conviction
- Escalating penalties for subsequent offences
What Qualifies as Stunt Driving in Ontario?
Stunt driving is defined under the Highway Traffic Act, not the Criminal Code. Charges are most commonly laid based on speed, but the offence covers a broader range of conduct.
Speed thresholds:
- 50 km/h or more over the limit on roads posted at 80 km/h or higher
- 40 km/h or more over the limit on roads posted below 80 km/h
Other conduct that can result in a charge:
- Street racing or driving that indicates engagement in a race
- Blocking or preventing another vehicle from passing
- Chasing another vehicle
- Performing stunts such as drifting, spinning, or burnouts
- Driving without care or consideration for other road users
Drivers initially charged with speeding may later face a stunt driving allegation depending on the recorded speed. See how speeding charges are handled in Ontario.
Is Stunt Driving a Criminal Offence in Ontario?
No. Stunt driving is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act, not a criminal charge under the Criminal Code of Canada. However, the penalties are severe — including possible jail time — and a conviction will have lasting consequences for your driving record and insurance.
What Happens After You're Charged
The roadside consequences happen immediately: your licence is suspended for 30 days and your vehicle is impounded for 14 days at your expense. You will receive a court date by ticket or summons.
At court, you generally have three options under the Provincial Offences Act:
- Pay the ticket — results in a conviction and all associated penalties
- Request an Early Resolution meeting with a prosecutor
- Request a trial to challenge the charge
Street Legal reviews disclosure, assesses the evidence, and represents you at Early Resolution or trial. Learn how the POA court process works.
Can You Fight a Stunt Driving Charge in Ontario?
Yes. Stunt driving is a strict liability offence — the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the act. They do not need to prove intent, but they do need to prove the facts of the charge. Defence strategies often turn on the accuracy of speed measurement, road and signage conditions, and the specific circumstances of the stop.
Street Legal has represented Ontario drivers facing stunt driving charges for over 20 years. Request a free consultation.
Stunt Driving FAQ
On roads posted at 80 km/h or higher, stunt driving is defined as driving 50 km/h or more over the limit. On roads posted below 80 km/h, the threshold is 40 km/h over the limit.
No. It is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act. However, penalties include possible jail time and mandatory licence suspension, making it one of the most serious HTA charges.
Yes. A licensed Ontario paralegal can review the disclosure, attend Early Resolution on your behalf, and represent you at trial. Street Legal has handled stunt driving matters across Ontario for over 20 years.
Yes. A conviction carries a mandatory licence suspension of 1 to 3 years on top of the 30-day roadside suspension already issued at the time of the charge.
Significantly. Most insurers treat stunt driving as a major conviction. Premiums can increase dramatically, and some companies may cancel or refuse to renew your policy entirely.
In almost every case, yes. Given the mandatory licence suspension, fines up to $10,000, and long-term insurance consequences, even a reduction to a lesser charge can have major financial and practical benefits.
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