Highway Traffic Act (HTA) | Nov 15, 2024 | By: Harbir Singh
Stunt Driving: What Is Stunt Driving and What Are the Penalties?
If you have been charged with stunt driving in Ontario, this is an offense that carries significant penalties and consequences. It is a serious traffic offense and can lead to vehicle impoundment, hefty fines, and license suspension.
By understanding what constitutes stunt driving, can help you avoid potential penalties, financial setbacks, and legal troubles.
Stunt Driving; What Is It?
Under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) section 172, stunt driving is an HTA offense in Ontario. It involves driving acts that put others at risk, these acts include:
1. Speeding Excessively: If you are driving 40 km/h or more above the speed limit in a zone with a speed limit under 80 km/h, or 50 km/h or more above the speed limit in a zone with a speed limit of 80 km/h or higher.
2. Street Racing: The act of competing with other vehicles on the road in a manner that is unsafe.
3. Driving Recklessly, such as:
- Driving in a manner that intends to cause the vehicle to lift some of all of the tires off the road (for example, wheelies)
- Causing a vehicle to lost traction or “spinning out” (for example, drifting)
- Preventing another driving from passing, or cutting off
- Driving too near another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist (intentionally)
One of the main purposes of stunt driving laws are to assist in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.
Stunt Driving: What Are the Penalties?
Stunt driving comes with stiff penalties, that have become more severe and stricter in recent years. The penalties you may face, if you are charged with stunt driving, include:
1. Consequences that are Immediate:
- License Suspension: At the time you are charged for stunt driving, your driver’s license can be suspended by the officer, usually for 7-days.
- Vehicle Impoundment: The vehicle that was used for stunt driving will be impounded immediately, usually for 7 days.
2. Post Conviction Consequences:
- Fines: Hefty fines, in the range of $2,000 to $10,000.
- Incarceration: Potential imprisonment, up to 6 months.
- License Suspension: For first offense, a license suspension, not more than 2 years. For a subsequent offense, license suspension for not more than 10 years.
3. Other Consequences:
- Insurance Premiums: If a conviction is registered against you for stunt driving, this will go on your driving record. This can cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket, due to you being classified as a high-risk driver.
- Demerit Points: Stunt driving carries six demerit points, that will be applied to your Ontario Driver’s License.
Seek Legal Help
Being charged with stunt driving can be overwhelming for many, it is important to seek legal help from a professional, such as a Stunt Driving Paralegal, or a Stunt Driving Lawyer.
By finding the right legal representative, you may be able to:
- Have the stunt driving charge reduced or dismissed.
- Negotiate to have the penalties lessened.
- Avoid increased insurance premiums and driving record.
At HSB Legal Services we are experts in Highway Traffic Act (HTA) offences. We can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
Contact HSB Legal Services
Navigating the Provincial Offences Court can be a complex task. Ensure you are putting the best case forward, to receive the outcome you desire. By contacting HSB Legal Services, you can have the peace of mind knowing your case is in the hands of a legal professional.
We serve all areas of Ontario, so whether you are looking for a stunt driving paralegal in Toronto, stunt driving paralegal in Vaughan, stunt driving paralegal in Brampton, stunt driving paralegal in Mississauga, stunt driving paralegal in Scarborough, stunt driving paralegal in North York, stunt driving paralegal in Etobicoke, stunt driving paralegal in Malton, stunt driving paralegal in Rexdale, stunt driving paralegal in Milton, stunt driving paralegal in Oakville, stunt driving paralegal in Niagara Falls, stunt driving paralegal in Burlington, stunt driving paralegal in Barrie, stunt driving paralegal in Richmond Hill, stunt driving paralegal in Downtown Toronto, stunt driving paralegal in Oshawa, stunt driving paralegal in Ajax, stunt driving paralegal in Whitby, stunt driving paralegal in Markham, or a stunt driving paralegal anywhere in Ontario, feel free to contact us.