Stunt Driving Tickets

Some Key Facts about Stunt Driving Tickets in Ontario

Stunt driving tickets in Ontario are issued for driving behaviors deemed to be dangerous or aggressive. Here are some key facts about these tickets:

Legislation: Stunt driving is regulated under Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
Definition: Stunt driving includes a range of dangerous driving behaviors such as excessive speeding, racing, and aggressive maneuvers that put other road users at risk.

Excessive Speeding: Driving at speeds more than 50 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Racing: Engaging in a race with another vehicle or attempting to outpace another vehicle.
Dangerous Maneuvers: Includes activities such as weaving through traffic, performing wheelies, or making sudden lane changes without signaling.
Reckless Driving: Driving in a manner that shows a complete disregard for the safety of others.

Fines: The base fine for stunt driving is generally $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the offense and any additional fees.
Demerit Points: A conviction for stunt driving results in 6 demerit points being added to your driving record.
License Suspension: A first offense may lead to a suspension of your driver's license for a minimum of 7 days, but repeated offenses or severe cases can result in longer suspensions.
Vehicle Seizure: Police may impound your vehicle for 7 days on a first offense, and longer for repeat offenses. This can result in significant costs for towing and storage.

Court Appearance: Stunt driving tickets typically require a court appearance. You have the option to plead guilty and pay the fine or contest the ticket by requesting a trial.
Evidence: Evidence in court may include witness statements, video footage, or police testimony about the driving behavior.

Premium Increase: A conviction for stunt driving can lead to substantial increases in your insurance premiums. Insurance companies view stunt driving as high-risk behavior.

Police Authority: Police officers have the authority to issue stunt driving tickets based on their observations or evidence gathered during traffic stops.
Detection Methods: Stunt driving can be detected through various methods, including speed radar, police observations, and traffic camera footage.

Public Awareness: Ontario has educational campaigns to promote safe driving and discourage stunt driving. These campaigns often highlight the dangers and legal consequences of aggressive driving behaviors.

Criminal Charges: In severe cases, stunt driving can lead to criminal charges, especially if it results in injuries or significant property damage.
Criminal Record: If charged criminally, you could face a criminal record in addition to the driving-related penalties.

Challenge Evidence: Defenses might include challenging the accuracy of speed measurement devices, arguing the context of the driving behavior, or proving that the vehicle was not being operated at the time of the offense.

Increased Risk: Stunt driving significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road. It endangers not only the driver but also other road users.
Promoting Safety: Adhering to traffic laws and driving responsibly helps ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Understanding these facts can help you recognize the seriousness of stunt driving offenses and the importance of adhering to safe driving practices.