Ontario's Stunt Driving Law: What Triggers a Charge

Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act covers "racing and stunt driving." Despite the name, a stunt driving charge doesn't require anything theatrical — the most common trigger is simply travelling 40 km/h or more over the posted speed limit. On a 100 km/h highway, that means 141 km/h. On a city street posted at 50 km/h, that's 91 km/h.

Other behaviours that trigger Section 172 include: spinning tires, driving with the intent to prevent another vehicle from passing, and driving in a way that lifts the front or rear wheels off the ground.

Immediate Roadside Consequences

Unlike most traffic offences where you receive a ticket and leave, a stunt driving charge results in immediate penalties at the roadside:

• 24-hour licence suspension (effective immediately)
• Vehicle impounded for 14 days — towing and storage fees are your responsibility (typically $500–$1,000+)

You'll need to arrange a ride from the scene and pay to retrieve your vehicle after 14 days.

Court Penalties Upon Conviction

Penalty	First Conviction	Subsequent Conviction
Fine	$2,000–$10,000	$2,000–$10,000
Licence suspension	1–3 years	3–10 years
Demerit points	6	6
Possible jail	Up to 6 months	Up to 6 months

Insurance After a Stunt Driving Conviction

A stunt driving conviction is classified as a major conviction by Ontario insurers. Expect premium increases of 200–400%, or non-renewal followed by assignment to the Facility Association (high-risk pool). The insurance impact alone — over the 3 years the conviction appears on your abstract — routinely exceeds $10,000.

How Stunt Driving Charges Are Successfully Defended

Despite the severity of the charge, stunt driving convictions are not automatic. Experienced paralegals defend these charges regularly using several strategies:

• Speed evidence challenges: Laser or radar calibration records must be precise. Any gap in the calibration chain undermines the speed reading.
• Officer identification issues: On a busy highway, can the officer establish beyond a reasonable doubt that your specific vehicle was the one clocked at the alleged speed?
• Reduced charges: Even where the speed cannot be disputed entirely, negotiating to a lower-tier speeding charge (e.g., 29 over instead of 40+ over) eliminates the stunt driving label and its severe insurance consequences.
• Constitutional challenges: In limited circumstances, the validity of the impoundment or the stop itself may be challenged.

Act Immediately

Stunt driving charges move through the court system on a defined timeline. Do not delay getting legal help. Contact us the moment you receive your paperwork: 289-275-3513. Free consultations available.

Ontario's Stunt Driving Law: What Triggers a Charge

Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act covers "racing and stunt driving." Despite the name, a stunt driving charge doesn't require anything theatrical — the most common trigger is simply travelling 40 km/h or more over the posted speed limit. On a 100 km/h highway, that means 141 km/h. On a city street posted at 50 km/h, that's 91 km/h.

Other behaviours that trigger Section 172 include: spinning tires, driving with the intent to prevent another vehicle from passing, and driving in a way that lifts the front or rear wheels off the ground.

Immediate Roadside Consequences

Unlike most traffic offences where you receive a ticket and leave, a stunt driving charge results in immediate penalties at the roadside:

• 24-hour licence suspension (effective immediately)
• Vehicle impounded for 14 days — towing and storage fees are your responsibility (typically $500–$1,000+)

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