Home > Help Centre > Blog Stunt driving is increasingly becoming an issue on Ontario roadways. This illegal activity is dangerous - getting caught can lead to significant fines and car insurance repercussions. Even though the law has existed for many years, many drivers are still determining what actions classify it or the penalties. Between March 15 and March 31, 2020, there was a 35% increase in speeding tickets. Around 65 tickets were issued to drivers travelling over 50 km/over the speed limit. As the numbers increase, knowing what the province is doing to protect communities and how you can make safer decisions on the road is essential. What’s on this page Stunt driving is the act of excessive speeding, street racing, contests and engaging in dangerous driving practices in a motor vehicle on an Ontario road or highway. It has severe penalties, even for a first offence. It is important to know that it is not only speeding that counts as stunt driving. Drivers add illegal or upgraded car modifications with suspensions, style enhancements, or high-performance motors to increase performance. According to Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act in Ontario : “No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway in a race or contest while performing a stunt or on a bet or wager.” Here are the many different driving actions that fall within the stunt driving category: Even though you may not be performing stunts or racing, you can still face penalties related to stunt driving, including hitting the gas heavy when the light turns green and making a left before the other cars come through. Street racing is typically an unsanctioned and illegal form of auto racing that occurs on a public road, which can have high speeds and activity deemed as stunt driving. Both activities can fall under dangerous driving and have repercussions; the terms are interchangeable, but your fine will outline the exact laws broken. Here is a glance at some of the legal terms and definitions: Section 172 of the Act considers "race" and "contest" to include any activity where one or more persons participate in actions. For the purposes of Section 172 of the Act, "stunt" refers to any activity that involves any of the following driving behaviours by one or more persons: Here are some stunt driving related statistics in Canada: As of July 1, 2021, The MOMS Act (Moving Ontarians More Safely Act 2021) has introduced new measures to combat dangerous driving and improve safety on the roads. This updated legislation includes longer Ontario driver’s licence suspensions and impoundment periods for drivers who engage in stunt and street racing. Here is a look at the updated charges, fines and penalties for stunt driving: Proposed is the introduction of escalating post-conviction driver's license suspensions for drivers found guilty of street racing or stunt driving. Under the proposal, the suspensions would be as follows: If you are convicted of stunt driving in Ontario, you could face the following driver's license suspensions: As of January 2022, the Ontario government added $250 for a first offence, $350 for a second and $450 for a third within five years when motorists lose their licences. Stunt driving is considered a violation of the Highway Traffic Act and is not typically regarded as a criminal offence. However, it is still considered a severe charge, and depending on the circumstances, you may be arrested for it, fined, and even face possible jail time. Here’s an example of when stunt driving would be a criminal offence: In Oakville, a driver was caught driving at 50 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit in a school zone, which was posted at 30 kilometres per hour. As this was their second offence of stunt driving, they were sentenced to a six-month imprisonment along with a fine of $10,000. Additionally, they received demerit points, license suspension, and other penalties for violating school zone laws. This conviction will be reflected on their record and may increase their car insurance rates in Ontario. Street racing is illegal for automobiles or motorcycles on public roads. In Toronto, residents often see street racing all all hours of day and night. Don Valley Parkway, the Gardiner Expressway and Spadina are favourite urban racetracks. In 2019, 304 drivers were charged with street racing on 400-series highways in the Greater Toronto Area in just a month. Over the pandemic, police arrested 19 people in connection with street racing in North York. Suppose you are caught participating in street racing in Toronto. In that case, you can face fines that all fall under stunt driving, including licence suspension, vehicle seizure, fees starting at $2,000, and increased costs for your car insurance in Toronto. You have a lot more than fines to worry about affecting your finances. You must cover several other costs if you get a stunt driving charge. They are: Getting charged will also get you put into the high-risk auto insurance category. Stunt driving can increase your insurance costs significantly for several years. You could also have issues with your car insurance renewal in the future. A stunt driving conviction will stay on your driving record for 3 years. This conviction will affect how much you pay for Ontario car insurance during this time.
People most commonly associate stunt driving with excessive speeding. This is the most common reason people are charged with stunt driving (exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/hr or more). For example, you drive 100 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone. Yes. Similar to other traffic convictions, you can fight a stunt driving ticket. Consult a licensed paralegal or lawyer if you believe you have a case. It’s possible to have charges dropped or reduced. Speak with your legal representation about your case and options. Any driver can face a stunt driving ticket by exceeding the speed limit of more than 40 or 50 km/h, depending on the posted limit. Think twice before you show off or engage in stunt driving on city roads or highways. It could be a costly decision if you get caught. Before you take out road rage or show off driving donuts, think about the consequences. It's always best to drive safely and follow the rules of the road to help keep all drivers safe and lower car insurance in Ontario.Stunt Driving In Ontario
Mar 12, 2024
Stunt Driving On The Rise In Ontario
Three main takeaways about stunt driving in Ontario
Are stunt driving and street racing the same thing?
Stunt driving statistics
Updates to stunt driving rules in Ontario
What happens if you are convicted of stunt driving?
Is stunt driving a criminal offence?
What is the fine for street racing in Toronto?
Stunt driving FAQs
What is stunt driving?
Are stunt driving and street racing the same thing?
Stunt driving statistics
Updates to stunt driving rules in Ontario
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What happens if you are convicted of stunt driving?
Is stunt driving a criminal offence?
What is the fine for street racing in Toronto?
What are the unforeseen costs of stunt driving?
Stunt driving FAQs
Stunt driving in Ontario is not worth it
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