⊸ Blog⊸ Stunt Driving In Ontario

Mar 12, 2024

Stunt Driving On The Rise In Ontario

Orange car stunt driving doing a burnout

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.

Three main takeaways about stunt driving in Ontario

  • Being charged with stunt driving can result in severe consequences, including hefty fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even criminal charges in extreme cases.
  • Driving behaviours that can result in stunt driving charges include exceeding speed limits, reckless driving, performing dangerous maneuvers, and engaging in street racing.
  • Tips for preventing stunt driving incidents include obeying speed limits, avoiding aggressive driving behaviours, and staying focused and alert while driving.

What’s on this page

What is stunt driving?
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?

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:

  • 50 km/h or more over the speed limit where the limit is above 80 km/h.
  • 40 km/h or more over the speed limit where the limit is 80 km/h or less.
  • Driving at a speed of 150 km/h or more.
  • Tire squealing, burnouts, or driving with the intention to cause some or all tires to lose traction.
  • Cutting off another driver intentionally or driving too closely.
  • Doing doughnuts, drifting, or driving a vehicle with the intention to spin.
  • Not allowing other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians to pass, change directions, or have the right of way.
  • Driving your vehicle while not in the driver’s seat (known as ghost riding the whip).
  • Driving with a person in the trunk of your vehicle or an extra seat.
  • Driving without regard for road conditions and driving circumstances.
  • Popping wheelies or driving with the intention to lift some or all your tires from the surface.
  • Careless driving without reasonable concern or attention for others or endangering others.

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.

Are stunt driving and street racing the same thing?

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.

  • 1. Driving two or more motor vehicles at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed and in a manner that indicates the drivers of the motor vehicles are engaged in a competition.
  • 2. Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to chase another motor vehicle.
  • 3. Driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway or in a manner that may endanger any person.

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:

  • 1. Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to lift some or all of its tires from the surface of the highway, including driving a motorcycle with only one wheel in contact with the ground, but not including the use of lift axles on commercial motor vehicles.
  • 2. Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to cause some or all of its tires to lose traction with the surface of the highway while turning.
  • 3. Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to spin it or cause it to circle, without maintaining control over it.
  • 4. Driving two or more motor vehicles side by side or in proximity to each other, where one of the motor vehicles occupies a lane of traffic or other portion of the highway intended for use by oncoming traffic for a period of time that is longer than is reasonably required to pass another motor vehicle.
  • 5. Driving a motor vehicle with a person in the trunk of the motor vehicle.
  • 6. Driving a motor vehicle while the driver is not sitting in the driver’s seat.
  • 7. Driving a motor vehicle at a speed of 40 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit, if the speed limit is less than 80 kilometres per hour.
  • 7.0.1 Driving a motor vehicle at a speed of 50 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit, if the speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour or more.
  • 7.1 Driving a motor vehicle at a speed of 150 kilometres per hour or more.

Stunt driving statistics

Here are some stunt driving related statistics in Canada:

  • Speed-related collisions accounted for 16% of fatalities on Ontario's roads (MTO, 2019).
  • The number of roadside driver's licence suspensions for street racing/stunt driving increased by 130% between 2013 and 2019 (Ontario Driver Annual Statistics, 2020).
  • 43% of Ontario drivers have admitted to speeding (CAA SCO, 2022).
  • 83% of Ontario drivers have witnessed other drivers speeding (CAA SCO, 2022).
  • In 2022, According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), of the 420 charges laid between May and June, 35 were criminal charges related to impaired driving and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. (CTVNews 2022).

Updates to stunt driving rules in Ontario

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:

  • Immediate penalties for drivers caught street racing or stunt driving have increased from seven days to a 30-day licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impoundment.
  • Drivers caught driving 40 km/h or more above the speed limit where the maximum is less than 80 km/h will face stunt driving charges.
  • A minimum of a $2,000 fine and could be as high as $10,000.
  • 6 demerit points.
  • If convicted, a driver’s education course may be mandatory.

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:

  • For a first offence, the suspension would be for a minimum of one to three years.
  • For a second offence, the suspension would be for a minimum of three to ten years.
  • For a third offence, the driver would receive a lifetime suspension that could be reduced later, which would be determined by regulation.
  • For fourth and subsequent offences, the driver would face a lifetime driver's license suspension.

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What happens if you are convicted of stunt driving?

If you are convicted of stunt driving in Ontario, you could face the following driver's license suspensions:

  • First offence: minimum of one year but up to three years.
  • Second offence: minimum of three years but up to 10 years.
  • Third offence: lifetime suspension that may be reduced later — to be established by regulation.
  • Fourth and subsequent offences: lifetime suspension.

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.

Is stunt driving a criminal offence?

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.

What is the fine for street racing in Toronto?

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.

What are the unforeseen costs of stunt driving?

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:

  • A significant increase in your driving costs.
  • Legal representation costs.
  • Towing and impound fees.
  • Costs to get your licence back.
  • If you have a job that requires using a vehicle, your employment could be affected.

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.


Stunt driving FAQs

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.

Stunt driving in Ontario is not worth it

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.