A stunt driving charge can trigger immediate penalties, including a 30-day licence suspension and 14-day vehicle impoundment, before your court date. With over 30 years of experience, Traffic Ticket Advocates helps drivers across Toronto, Newmarket, York Region, and the GTA understand their options and respond quickly after a charge.
What Is Considered Stunt Driving in Ontario?
Many drivers are surprised to learn that stunt driving is not limited to racing. While excessive speed is one of the most common reasons for a charge, Ontario’s stunt driving laws also cover a range of dangerous driving behaviours.
Stunt Driving – Section 172.1 of the Highway Traffic Act
Depending on the allegation, stunt driving can include:
- Excessive speed
- Street racing or competitive driving
- Aggressive driving manoeuvres
- Burnouts, drifting, or donuts
- Intentionally losing traction
- Preventing another vehicle from passing
- Other conduct considered dangerous under the Highway Traffic Act
Common Stunt-Driving Speed Thresholds
- Driving 40 km/h or more over the speed limit where the posted limit is under 80 km/h
- Driving 50 km/h or more over the speed limit where the posted limit is 80 km/h or higher
- Driving 150 km/h or more anywhere
What Happens Immediately After a Stunt Driving Charge?
One of the most difficult aspects of a stunt-driving charge is that the consequences begin immediately.
30-Day Roadside Licence Suspension
Police can impose an immediate roadside licence suspension before your case reaches court. For many drivers, this creates immediate challenges involving work, family obligations, school, and daily transportation.
14-Day Vehicle Impoundment
Your vehicle may be impounded for 14 days, even though no conviction has occurred. Drivers are typically responsible for towing, storage, and related costs associated with the impoundment.
Court Consequences Are Separate
The roadside suspension and impoundment are separate from the court process. If convicted, additional penalties may apply, including fines, demerit points, licence suspensions, insurance consequences, and other court-ordered penalties.
Stunt Driving Penalties in Ontario
The penalties for stunt driving can be significantly more serious than those associated with a standard speeding ticket.
Consequence | What It Means |
Fine | Significant fines may be imposed upon conviction, along with additional surcharges and court costs. |
Demerit Points | Serious demerit-point consequences may apply following conviction. |
Licence Suspension | Court-imposed suspensions may be added to the roadside suspension already served. |
Vehicle Impoundment | Drivers remain responsible for towing and storage costs associated with roadside impoundment. |
Jail Exposure | Certain cases may carry potential jail exposure depending on the circumstances. |
Insurance | A conviction can lead to major insurance consequences and potential high-risk classification. |
Employment Impact | Drivers who rely on a vehicle for work may experience significant disruptions. |
A stunt-driving allegation can affect far more than your driving record. It can impact your mobility, finances, employment, and future insurance costs.
Extra Risk for Novice Drivers and Commercial Drivers
Stunt-driving allegations can be especially disruptive for novice and commercial drivers. G1, G2, M1, and M2 drivers may face stricter licensing consequences, while commercial drivers may encounter additional employment, licensing, and insurance concerns.
If your situation involves novice driver offences, CVOR and commercial driver consequences, or allegations involving driving under suspension, it is important to understand the broader implications before making decisions about your case.
Is Stunt Driving a Criminal Charge in Ontario?
Stunt driving is typically a provincial offence under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, not a Criminal Code charge. However, it remains one of the most serious traffic offences, with consequences that can include roadside suspensions, vehicle impoundment, insurance issues, and employment-related challenges.
Stunt Driving vs. Speeding: What Is the Difference?
While both charges involve speed-related allegations, the consequences can be very different.
Issue | Speeding Ticket | Stunt Driving Charge |
Typical Severity | Lower to Moderate | Serious |
Roadside Suspension | Usually No | Yes |
Vehicle Impoundment | Usually No | Yes |
Demerit Points | Depends on Speed | Serious Consequences |
Insurance Risk | Can Increase Premiums | Often Major Insurance Concern |
Legal Urgency | Important | Immediate |
Drivers charged with stunt driving should not assume it is simply a more serious speeding ticket. The legal and practical consequences are substantially different.
How Much Can a Stunt Driving Charge Cost?
The financial impact of a stunt-driving charge often extends well beyond the fine itself.
Potential costs can include:
- Towing fees
- Vehicle storage charges
- Alternative transportation expenses
- Lost work time
- Court-imposed penalties
- Licence reinstatement costs
- Legal representation
- Insurance increases
- High-risk insurance premiums
In most cases, the roadside costs, court penalties, and long-term insurance impact all contribute to the true cost of a Toronto stunt driving charge.
What To Do After Being Charged With Stunt Driving
The first 24 hours after a stunt-driving charge can be important.
1. Do Not Ignore the Charge
Review all tickets, summonses, and court documents carefully.
2. Keep All Paperwork
Retain every document provided during the roadside stop.
3. Record What Happened
Write down details while they are still fresh in your memory.
4. Save Towing and Impound Records
Keep copies of towing invoices, storage receipts, and related documents.
5. Understand That Roadside Penalties Are Not the Final Result
The roadside suspension and impoundment do not determine the outcome of the court case.
6. Seek Advice Promptly
Early review can help identify options and avoid missed deadlines.
What Evidence Can Matter in a Stunt Driving Case?
Evidence can play an important role in evaluating a stunt-driving allegation.
Speed Measurement Evidence
Relevant information may include the alleged speed, the posted speed limit, radar or laser records, testing documentation where available, and the location where the allegation occurred.
Signage and Location
Road design, posted speed limits, construction zones, and roadway signage may all be relevant to understanding the circumstances of a charge.
Officer Notes and Disclosure
Officer observations, notes, disclosure materials, and procedural details can all affect the review process and potential defence strategy.
Possible Resolution Discussions
Depending on the evidence, some cases may involve discussions regarding alternative outcomes or lesser offences. Every case is assessed individually.
Stunt Driving Lawyer for Toronto and the GTA
Traffic Ticket Advocates assists drivers throughout:
- Toronto
- Vaughan
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Barrie
- Surrounding GTA communities
Whether you need Toronto stunt driving help or assistance elsewhere in the GTA, our team can review your case and explain your options.
Why Choose Us to Fight Your Stunt Driving Ticket?
A stunt driving charge can lead to severe penalties that impact your driving record and your future. At Traffic Ticket Advocates, we have the experience and legal knowledge to help you fight your stunt driving ticket and work toward the best possible outcome.
Expertise in Traffic Law
Proven Track Record
Personalized Approach
Stress-Free Process
Protect Your Insurance and Record
How We Help Fight Stunt Driving Charges
A stunt-driving allegation can feel overwhelming, particularly when roadside penalties are already affecting your daily life. Our role is to help you understand the process and evaluate your options.
We assist clients by:
- Providing a free consultation
- Reviewing tickets and summonses
- Explaining roadside and court-related consequences
- Filing responses where required
- Requesting disclosure
- Reviewing officer notes
- Examining speed-measurement evidence
- Assessing signage, location, road, and weather conditions
- Discussing available options
- Negotiating where appropriate
- Preparing for trial when required
- Appearing on behalf of clients when possible
Every case is different. Options may vary depending on the evidence, court process, and circumstances of the allegation.
FAQs
Stunt driving can include excessive speed, racing, aggressive manoeuvres, drifting, burnouts, and other conduct covered by Section 172.1 of the Highway Traffic Act. Common speed thresholds include 40 km/h over in zones under 80 km/h, 50 km/h over in zones of 80 km/h or higher, and 150 km/h or more anywhere.
Generally, no. Stunt driving is typically a provincial Highway Traffic Act offence, but it remains a very serious allegation with significant consequences.
Roadside licence suspensions are imposed before the court process begins and are separate from any future court outcome.
A vehicle may be impounded for 14 days following a stunt-driving allegation. Drivers are generally responsible for towing and storage costs.
A stunt-driving conviction carries serious demerit-point consequences and can significantly affect your driving record.
Every stunt-driving case is unique.
Possible outcomes depend on factors such as:
- The evidence available
- The alleged speed
- Driving history
- Disclosure materials
- Court procedures
- Prosecutorial discretion
After reviewing your documents, Traffic Ticket Advocates can explain the options that may be available based on the specific facts of your case.
Yes. A conviction can lead to significant insurance consequences and may result in high-risk classification.
Depending on the circumstances and court requirements, we may be able to attend on behalf of clients and assist throughout the process.
Keep all paperwork, preserve towing and impound records, document what happened, and seek advice as soon as possible.
Yes. We assist drivers throughout Toronto, Newmarket, York Region, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Barrie, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Contact Our Stunt Driving Ticket Paralegals Today
A stunt driving charge is a serious offence with immediate penalties and lasting consequences. Without a strong legal defence, you could face hefty fines, licence suspension, and a serious conviction on your record. The experienced team of stunt driving ticket paralegals at Traffic Ticket Advocates will review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your licence, insurance rates, and driving record.
With over 30 years of experience, we proudly serve clients from Newmarket to Barrie and across York Region, Toronto and the GTA. Call or text us at 416-702-7337 today.