13 Stunt Driving Ontario Facts: Speed, Penalties & Fine
You have been charged with Stunt Driving in Ontario, your car has been impounded, and your licence suspended for thirty days.
Knowing what to do next is crucial. A minor lack of judgment or slip of the foot should not mean you have to suffer the consequences of an increase in insurance premiums or a further licence suspension.
This article takes you through the penalties for Stunt Driving, what your next steps should be after being charged, the potential impact on your insurance, and ten other crucial facts that you need to know.
What is Stunt Driving?
Prior to July 2021, the definition was simple. Stunt Driving is when someone is exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h. In July 2021, a new law was created for Stunt Driving in Ontario that has impacted thousands of people so far. You can now be charged with Stunt Driving if you are caught doing 40 km/h or more where the speed limit is 70 km/h or less.
What Speed is Considered Stunt Driving?
| If the Speed Limit is 80 km/h or Above | If the Speed Limit is 70 km/h or Below |
| Stunt Driving – Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more | Stunt Driving – Exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more |
Stunt Driving Definition
The definition of Stunt Driving under section 172 (1) of the Highway Traffic Act is “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.”
What Qualifies as Stunt Driving?
If charged under section 172 (1) of the Highway Traffic Act, you are being charged with Stunt Driving. Listed below are the reasons an officer can charge you with Stunt Driving in Ontario.
- Driving 50 km/h over the speed limit in a posted 80km/h zone or above.
- Driving 40 km/h over the speed limit in a posted 70 km/h zone or below.
- Chasing another motor vehicle.
- Driving a vehicle at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed.
- Racing another motor vehicle.
- Repeatedly changing lanes in close proximately to other vehicles.
- Doing a wheelie (lift some or all of the vehicle’s tires).
- Doing a burnout (causing some or of all of the vehicle’s tires to lose traction).
- Drifting or doing a donut (causing the vehicle to spin)
- Driving with a person in the trunk
- Driving while not sitting in the driver’s seat.
- Purposely preventing another vehicle from passing.
- Purposely interfering with the movement of another vehicle.
What’s the Penalty for Stunt Driving in Ontario?
There are some severe penalties, if found guilty of Stunt Driving in Ontario. The penalties include:
- Roadside thirty (30) day Licence suspension.
- Roadside fourteen (14) day impoundment of the vehicle.
- Six (6) demerit points assessed against your Licence, if convicted.
- A fine between $2,000.00 and $10,000.00.
- Possible jail sentence of up to six (6) months.
- Additional Licence suspension of a minimum 1 year, if convicted.
Demerit Points
Demerit points are added to your Driver’s Licence, not taken away. If you are guilty of Stunt Driving, you will be given a total of six (6) demerit points to your Driver’s Licence.
If you would like to know more about how demerit points work, our article on The Demerit Point System will explain everything in full detail.
Stunt Driving Fine
If found guilty of Stunt Driving in court, the prosecutor must request a fine of not less than $2,000.00 and not more than $10,000.00.
- Minimum Fine – $2,000.00
- Maximum Fine – $10,000.00
Stunt Driving Ontario Licence Suspension
If you have been found guilty of Stunt Driving and convicted by the court, you will face an additional licence suspension, beyond the 30 day licence suspension you have already served.
- First Offence – Minimum 1 year suspension, but cannot exceed three year suspension.
- Second Offence – Minimum 3 year suspension, but cannot exceed 10 year suspension.
- Third Offence – Suspended indefinitely, but may be reduced in the future.
- Fourth Offence – Lifetime suspension.
How Long Does Stunt Driving Stay on Your Record in Ontario?
Stunt driving will stay on your record in Ontario for a total of three (3) years from the conviction date. The conviction date is the date you are found guilty in court.
While the conviction stays on your record for three years, the court can, by law, look at your driving record for the past ten (10) years for this type of charge.
Stunt Driving as a G2 Driver
As a G2 Driver or Novice Driver, you have additional consequences. If convicted of a traffic ticket that carries four (4) or more demerit points, you will receive an additional 30-day Licence suspension. The charge of Stunt Driving as a G2 Driver or Notice Driver has the following penalties:
- Thirty (30) day Licence suspension
- Additional Licence suspension up to 2 years
- A fine between $2,000.00 and $10,000.00.
- Increase or cancellation of your insurance policy
- Roadside thirty (30) day Licence suspension.
- Roadside fourteen (14) day impoundment of the vehicle.
- Possible jail sentence of up to six (6) months.
Is Stunt Driving a Criminal Offence in Ontario?
Stunt driving is not a criminal offence. You are being charged under the Highway Traffic Act and not the Criminal Code, but this does not mean you will not go to jail. Depending on the severity of the charge, the prosecutor can request a penalty of jail time not exceeding six (6) months. If the prosecutor were to request jail time, they would need to consider your driving record, age, and current charge.
Can You Go to Jail for Stunt Driving in Ontario?
Yes, jail time is possible for stunt driving in Ontario, even though it is not a criminal offence. If found guilty, the court can impose a jail sentence of up to six (6) months.
However, jail time for stunt driving is not common for a first offence. The prosecutor would need to request it, and the court would consider factors such as your driving record, the severity of the offence, your age, and whether anyone was injured. In most first-time stunt driving cases, the penalties focus on fines, licence suspension, and demerit points rather than jail time.
That said, the risk of jail increases significantly if you have prior convictions, were involved in an accident, or were driving at an extreme speed. This is why having a licensed paralegal represent you is critical; we understand what the prosecutor needs to prove and how to present your case to avoid the most severe penalties. Call us at 905-738-7171 for a free consultation.
First Time Stunt Driving Offence in Ontario
If this is your first time being charged with stunt driving in Ontario, here is what you are facing:
Immediately at roadside: Your licence is suspended for 30 days and your vehicle is impounded for 14 days. These penalties happen on the spot, before you ever go to court.
If found guilty in court: A fine between $2,000 and $10,000, 6 demerit points, and an additional licence suspension of at least 1 year (up to 3 years for a first offence). Jail time is possible but uncommon for first-time offenders.
Insurance: A stunt driving conviction will almost certainly result in a significant increase in your insurance premiums or cancellation of your policy. If you are under 25, expect the impact to be even greater.
Your record: The conviction stays on your driving record for 3 years, but the court can look back at your record for 10 years when determining your penalty.
The most important thing to know about a first-time stunt driving charge is that you have options. The roadside suspension and impound happen automatically, but the court penalties only apply if you are found guilty. Fighting the charge at trial gives you the chance to have it withdrawn or dismissed entirely. Contact us at 905-738-7171; we have helped hundreds of first-time stunt driving cases across the GTA.
Your Next Steps After Being Charged With Stunt Driving in Ontario
Unfortunately, you have been charged with Stunt Driving, your license is seized, your car is impounded, and you have a court date. Let us explain the process of what you should do next.
How to Get Your Licence Back
This should be your first step to ensure that you have a valid Licence to drive the vehicle off the impound lot. After you have served your thirty (30) day Licence suspension, you can go to any Ministry of Transportation office to reinstate your Driver’s Licence.
To get your Licence back, you will need to pay the $281.00 reinstatement fee.
How to Get Your Vehicle Back
After fourteen (14) days have passed, you now have the ability to retrieve your seized vehicle from the impound lot.
How Much is the Impound Fee Per Day in Ontario?
On average, the daily impound fee is between $50.00 to $80.00 daily. To get your vehicle back, you will need to pay the cost of towing the vehicle to the impound lot, and the daily fee for storage of the vehicle. The approximate cost of towing and storing the vehicle is between $800.00 to $1,500.00.
Seek Legal Help
We highly recommend that you seek legal help with this type of charge. You should hire someone knowledgeable of the charge, and the court procedure, to ensure you have the best possible outcome. Stunt Driving carries steep penalties beyond the initial licence suspension and vehicle seizure.
Does a Stunt Driving Suspension Show Up on Your Court Summons?
No. The 30-day roadside licence suspension you received when you were charged with stunt driving does not appear on your court summons. The summons only shows the charge itself (stunt driving under section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act), the court location, and the date you are required to appear.
The roadside suspension is an administrative penalty imposed by the police under the Highway Traffic Act. It is separate from any additional suspension the court may order if you are found guilty. Your court summons deals only with the criminal-style proceeding, the charge that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you have questions about your summons or what to expect at court, contact us at 905-738-7171 for a free consultation. We can review your summons and explain exactly what you are facing.
What Evidence is Required for a Stunt Driving Charge in Ontario?
To convict you of stunt driving, the prosecution must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. The type of evidence required depends on the specific reason you were charged:
For speed-based stunt driving charges: The officer must prove you were exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more (in a zone posted at 70 km/h or below) or 50 km/h or more (in a zone posted at 80 km/h or above). This typically involves radar or lidar readings, and the officer must be able to demonstrate the equipment was properly calibrated and used correctly.
For non-speed stunt driving charges (racing, burnouts, wheelies, etc.): The officer’s testimony and any supporting evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, or physical evidence like tire marks must establish that you were engaged in the specific behaviour described under Ontario Regulation 455/07.
Common ways a stunt driving charge can be challenged include questioning the accuracy of the speed-measuring device, the officer’s training and certification, the conditions at the time of the offence, and whether the correct procedures were followed. A licensed paralegal who understands these technical requirements can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that you might not see on your own.
Understanding Stunt Driving
Ontario Regulation 455/07: Race, Contests, and Stunts
To fully understand the charge of Stunt Driving, we need to look at Ontario Regulation 455/07 because it defines Stunt Driving in full detail. It explains the wording of Race, Contests, and Stunt. The regulation goes on to describe other situations where a driver may be charged with Stunt Driving, such as:
- Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to chase another car.
- When two or more motor vehicles are racing.
- Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that suggests an intention to cause its tires to lose traction with the road.
Impact of Stunt Driving on Your Insurance
If you are convicted of Stunt Driving, you will likely see an increase in your insurance, or your insurance company will drop you as a client. This is one of the most severe tickets to be convicted of as a driver. If you are under the age of 25 years old, expect your increase to be even more.
Your insurance premiums will not go up right away. Insurance companies do not receive a letter from the Ministry of Transportation, saying you are guilty of Stunt Driving. Your insurance company pulls your Driver’s Abstract when your policy renews. Only then, will they be aware of any traffic tickets on your record.
Cost to Fight a Stunt Driving Charge?
There are three costs that you need to pay to in order to fight a Stunt Driving charge. The first is the reinstatement fee of $281.00 to get your Driver’s Licence back. Secondly, is the impound lot fee of $800.00 to $1,500.00 to get your vehicle back. The third fee is your legal fee. We recommend that you hire legal representation due to the severity of the charge.
Legal fees for Lawyers and Paralegals will vary depending on the amount of work required for the file. At Sturino Walker Legal, we understand that no one wants any surprises when it comes to legal fees. For that reasons, we offer a flat fee or block fee, meaning that you pay one price, and we take care of everything for you.
How to Fight Your Stunt Driving Ticket in Ontario
Fighting a Stunt Driving ticket in Ontario can be a complicated matter, depending on what part you have been charged with, under Ontario Regulation 455/07. When charged, you will not be given a regular ticket. The police have already made the decision that you need to go to court to answer for your actions, by issuing you a Summons.
You, or your representative, need to attend to the location, date, and time, specified on the Summons, or you can receive further penalties. Hiring a licensed Paralegal that understands how court proceedings function and progress, what evidence requirements must be met, and the threshold that the prosecutor needs to meet to obtain a conviction, is critical in trying to get your Stunt Driving ticket dismissed or withdrawn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stunt Driving in Ontario?
Q: What speed is considered stunt driving in Ontario?
A: In zones posted at 80 km/h or above, stunt driving is exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more. In zones posted at 70 km/h or below, stunt driving is exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more. This change took effect in July 2021.
Q: Is stunt driving a criminal offence in Ontario?
A: No. Stunt driving is charged under the Highway Traffic Act, not the Criminal Code. You will not receive a criminal record if found guilty. However, the penalties are severe, including fines up to $10,000, 6 demerit points, and a minimum 1-year licence suspension.
Q: Can you go to jail for stunt driving in Ontario?
A: Yes, jail time of up to 6 months is possible, although it is uncommon for first-time offenders. The court considers your driving record, the severity of the offence, and other factors when determining whether to impose jail time.
Q: What happens if you get charged with stunt driving for the first time in Ontario?
A: At roadside, your licence is immediately suspended for 30 days and your vehicle is impounded for 14 days. If found guilty in court, you face a fine between $2,000 and $10,000, 6 demerit points, and an additional licence suspension of at least 1 year. Jail time is possible but uncommon for first offences.
Q: How long does stunt driving stay on your record in Ontario?
A: A stunt driving conviction stays on your driving record for 3 years from the date you are found guilty. However, the court can look at your driving record for the past 10 years when determining your penalty.
Q: How many demerit points for stunt driving in Ontario?
A: Stunt driving carries 6 demerit points. For G1 and G2 novice drivers, this is especially serious because any conviction carrying 4 or more demerit points triggers an automatic 30-day licence suspension on top of the other penalties.
Q: What evidence is required for a stunt driving charge in Ontario?
A: For speed-based charges, the prosecution must prove your speed using radar or lidar readings from properly calibrated equipment. For non-speed charges (racing, burnouts, etc.), the officer’s testimony and supporting evidence such as dashcam footage or witness statements must establish the specific behaviour under Ontario Regulation 455/07.
Q: Does the 30-day stunt driving suspension show up on your court summons?
A: No. The roadside licence suspension is an administrative penalty separate from the court proceeding. Your summons only shows the stunt driving charge, the court location, and the date you must appear.
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Updated March 2026
4 Response(s) for “13 Stunt Driving Ontario Facts: Speed, Penalties & Fine”
Hello,
Are the policies as far as 7 day licence suspension for stunt driving changed?
I was charged with stunt driving. Im positive I wasn’t going 40 Km/h above the speed limit. My car is taken for 14 days and my license is suspended for 45 days.
Is there any possible way to reduce the 45 days for my licence suspension. This happened in London Ontario and its my first time.
Hello Soroush, we would be happy to assist you. Please give our office a call to book a free consultation. Thank you.
Hi I’m wondering how long a stunt driving charge stays on your record I know it says 3 years but does that start when your done paying your fine or when you go to court ?
Hello Sky,
This starts from the day of the conviction.
Thank you.