What happens when you're charged with stunt driving in Ontario?

At the roadside you face an immediate 30-day licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impound — both before any court date. The charge itself is then dealt with later in Provincial Offences Court.

Can a paralegal fight a stunt driving charge?

Yes. A paralegal can challenge the speed-measuring device's calibration and certification, the officer's notes and training records, and any Charter breach in the stop, and can bring a withdrawal application where the evidence has gaps.

What are the consequences of a stunt driving conviction?

A conviction carries a $2,000–$10,000 fine, up to six months imprisonment, a licence suspension of up to two years on a first offence, 6 demerit points, and severe insurance consequences that often include non-renewal.

Is stunt driving defensible in Ontario?

Often, yes. Because the charge turns on a precise speed reading, defences frequently focus on the accuracy and certification of the measuring device and the officer's evidence.

Highway Traffic Act s.172

Stunt Driving charges in Ontario.

Quick Answer

A stunt driving charge in Ontario triggers an immediate 30-day licence suspension and 14-day vehicle impound at the roadside — before any court appearance. A paralegal can fight the conviction on speed measurement grounds, potentially avoiding the additional 1–3 year licence suspension, the $2,000–$10,000 fine, and the devastating insurance consequences that follow.

40+ km/h over (in 80 km/h zones or less) or 50+ km/h over (above 80 km/h) triggers automatic 30-day licence suspension and 14-day vehicle impound at roadside.

Charge: Highway Traffic Act s.172
Jurisdiction: All of Ontario
Consultation: Free & Confidential

i.

What the charge means

Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act covers racing, stunt driving, and exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h (in zones of 80 km/h or less) or 50 km/h (in zones above 80 km/h).

ii.

Penalties

Fines from $2,000 to $10,000; up to 6 months imprisonment; licence suspension up to 2 years on first conviction; 6 demerit points; insurance impact is severe (often non-renewal or 100%+ increases).

iii.

Available defences

Calibration and certification of speed-measuring device
Officer's notes and training records
Charter — arbitrary detention, unreasonable search
Identification

iv.

The process

Roadside suspension is automatic; we move quickly on disclosure and bring withdrawal applications based on evidentiary gaps before trial.

Common Questions

What happens when you're charged with stunt driving in Ontario?: At the roadside you face an immediate 30-day licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impound — both before any court date. The charge itself is then dealt with later in Provincial Offences Court.
Can a paralegal fight a stunt driving charge?: Yes. A paralegal can challenge the speed-measuring device's calibration and certification, the officer's notes and training records, and any Charter breach in the stop, and can bring a withdrawal application where the evidence has gaps.
What are the consequences of a stunt driving conviction?: A conviction carries a $2,000–$10,000 fine, up to six months imprisonment, a licence suspension of up to two years on a first offence, 6 demerit points, and severe insurance consequences that often include non-renewal.
Is stunt driving defensible in Ontario?: Often, yes. Because the charge turns on a precise speed reading, defences frequently focus on the accuracy and certification of the measuring device and the officer's evidence.

Charged with stunt driving?

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