Stunt Driving Charge in Ontario: Penalties, Process & Defence Options
Charged with stunt driving in Ontario? This is not an ordinary speeding ticket. A stunt driving charge can trigger immediate roadside consequences before there is any conviction, including a 30-day licence suspension and 14-day vehicle impoundment.
If the case proceeds in court, the risks can become much more serious: a fine of $2,000 to $10,000, 6 demerit points, a further licence suspension, a mandatory driver improvement course, possible jail time, and major insurance consequences.
X-COPS helps Ontario drivers fight stunt driving charges by reviewing disclosure, examining police notes and speed evidence, identifying possible weaknesses in the case, negotiating with the prosecutor where appropriate, and preparing the matter for trial when needed.
Before you decide how to respond to your summons, contact X-COPS for a free consultation.
How X-COPS Can Help With a Stunt Driving Charge
A stunt driving case often depends on details that are not obvious from the summons alone. X-COPS stunt driving lawyer can help you understand the strength of the case and the risks before the matter moves further through court.
We can help with:
- reviewing your summons and court documents;
- requesting and reviewing disclosure;
- examining police notes, radar, LIDAR, or other speed evidence;
- checking whether the allegation is based on speed, racing, driving behaviour, or another stunt-driving category;
- identifying possible weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence;
- negotiating a possible resolution where appropriate;
- preparing the case for trial if a reasonable resolution is not available.
Every case is different, but getting legal advice early can help you avoid mistakes and understand whether the charge can be challenged, reduced, or fought in court.
What Happens When You Get Charged With Stunt Driving in Ontario?
When you are charged with stunt driving in Ontario, the consequences begin at the roadside.
Police can impose:
- a 30-day driver’s licence suspension
- a 14-day vehicle impoundment
These penalties apply immediately and do not depend on whether you are later convicted.
If the charge proceeds to conviction, further penalties may follow. These can include:
- a fine of $2,000 to $10,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge
- 6 demerit points
- a further licence suspension
- possible jail time
- a mandatory driver improvement course
Because stunt driving proceeds by summons, the matter must go through court. It is not an ordinary speeding ticket that can simply be paid and forgotten.
What Is Considered Stunt Driving in Ontario?
Stunt driving in Ontario is defined under section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act and goes far beyond simply “doing a stunt”. The offence captures driving behaviour that represents a marked departure from the normal and lawful operation of a motor vehicle, including extreme speeding, racing, and other dangerous manoeuvres.
While exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or 50 km/h (depending on the road) is the most common trigger, stunt driving charges can also arise from how a vehicle is driven, not just how fast.
Here’s a breakdown of the specific behaviours Ontario law classifies as stunt driving.
Speed-Based Stunt Driving
- Exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more where the posted limit is under 80 km/h;
- Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more where the posted limit is 80 km/h or higher;
- Driving at 150 km/h or more, regardless of the posted limit.
Marked Departure in Speed
- Driving at a speed that constitutes a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed, where the driver’s ability to respond safely to traffic conditions is significantly compromised.
Racing and Competitive Driving
- Racing or attempting to race another vehicle;
- Rapid acceleration used to distance one vehicle from others;
- Driving side by side or in close proximity in a manner resembling a race.
Intentional Loss of Control or Dangerous Vehicle Use
- Intentionally causing tires to lose traction (burnouts, doughnuts);
- Performing wheelies on a motorcycle;
- Driving while not seated in the driver’s seat;
- Standing on a motorcycle or letting go of the steering wheel.
Other Conduct Commonly Alleged as Stunt Driving
- Chasing another vehicle in a manner that resembles racing;
- Carrying people in unsafe areas of a vehicle (such as a trunk or pickup bed);
- Using a vehicle in a way that demonstrates a clear disregard for traffic safety beyond ordinary carelessness (not to be confused with careless driving in Ontario).
Is Stunt Driving a Criminal Offence in Ontario?
No, stunt driving is not a criminal offence in Ontario. It is prosecuted under provincial law, not the Criminal Code. That said, the consequences can still be severe. A conviction may result in significant fines, lengthy licence suspensions, possible jail time, and mandatory driver improvement courses.
Stunt Driving Penalties in Ontario
Stunt driving penalties in Ontario are severe and escalate with each conviction. Some consequences apply immediately at the roadside, while others are imposed if the charge results in a conviction.
Penalties for Stunt Driving First Offence in Ontario:
- immediate 30-day roadside licence suspension;
- 14-day vehicle impoundment;
- fine ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge;
- 6 demerit points
- possible jail time of up to six months;
- licence suspension upon conviction ranging from 1 to 3 years;
- mandatory driver improvement course.
Penalties for Stunt Driving Second Offence, Ontario:
- immediate 30-day roadside licence suspension;
- 14-day vehicle impoundment;
- fine ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge;
- 6 demerit points;
- possible jail time of up to 6 months;
- licence suspension upon conviction of up to 10 years;
- mandatory driver improvement course.
Third Offence and Subsequent:
- immediate 30-day roadside licence suspension;
- 14-day vehicle impoundment;
- fine ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge;
- 6 demerit points;
- possible jail time of up to 6 months;
- Lifetime driver’s licence suspension upon conviction;
- Mandatory driver improvement course.
The mandatory driver improvement course must be completed within 60 days of conviction. Failure to do so can result in further licence consequences.
Fully licensed and novice drivers are subject to the same stunt driving penalties in Ontario. However, novice drivers, including G2 drivers, may face additional licence consequences upon conviction.
Failure to pay fines associated with a stunt driving conviction will result in an automatic driver’s licence suspension.
A stunt driving conviction can have serious insurance consequences. Many drivers lose access to standard insurance markets and must seek coverage through high-risk insurers instead. Even where coverage remains available, premiums often become much more expensive after a conviction.
Current Stunt Driving Laws in Ontario (MOMS Act Explained)
Ontario’s current stunt driving laws were introduced under the Moving Ontarians More Safely Act (MOMS Act) and came into full effect between 2021 and 2022. These rules have remained unchanged since April 2022 and continue to apply in 2026.
The MOMS Act significantly increased the consequences for stunt driving in Ontario. Key changes included:
- Longer roadside licence suspensions for drivers charged with stunt driving;
- Extended vehicle impoundment periods;
- Harsher licence suspensions upon conviction, including lifetime suspensions for repeat offences;
- Introduction of a mandatory driver improvement course following conviction.
Also, since September 12, 2021, Ontario’s stunt driving laws have also applied to certain off-road locations, including parking lots and other areas not traditionally considered highways.
These locations can include:
- Public or private parking lots, garages, or parking structures;
- Commercial, industrial, or private lots, regardless of whether public access is permitted;
- Parking areas with or without paid access, even if a driver entered without permission.
Ontario’s stunt driving laws do not apply to designated facilities such as racetracks, motor speedways, or go-kart tracks intended for racing activities.
What To Do If You’ve Been Charged With Stunt Driving In Ontario?
After a stunt driving charge, the first goal is simple: do not make the situation worse.
- Do not drive while your licence is suspended.
- Recover your vehicle from impound as soon as you are legally allowed to.
- Keep track of your court date and any paperwork connected to the summons.
- Do not assume the matter will “sort itself out”.
Because the charge proceeds by summons, missing a court appearance can create additional problems. If no one appears for you, the court may proceed in your absence and, in some cases, issue a bench warrant.
Can You Fight a Stunt Driving Charge in Ontario?
Fighting a stunt driving ticket in Ontario is not just about deciding whether to go to trial. The first question is how you want to deal with the case at all.
In practical terms, most drivers have three options:
- deal with the charge themselves;
- work toward a resolution in court;
- hire a stunt driving lawyer or licensed paralegal to review the evidence and handle the case.
Which option makes sense depends on the file. Some stunt driving cases may be better suited for negotiation. Others may have evidence issues that should be challenged more aggressively.
That usually becomes clear only after disclosure is requested and reviewed. Because stunt driving proceeds by summons and the penalties can be severe, it is usually worth getting legal advice before taking a position on the charge.
How to Fight Stunt Driving in Ontario: Step-By-Step Process
Fighting a stunt driving ticket in Ontario usually involves five stages:
- Attend the first court appearance listed on the summons
- Obtain and review disclosure from the prosecutor
- Assess how the allegation was established, including speed evidence or driving behaviour
- Attend a Crown pre-trial to discuss possible resolution
- Proceed to trial if no acceptable outcome is reached
That is the short version.
The longer version depends on the evidence. Some cases turn on radar or LIDAR records. Others turn on the officer’s notes, how the behaviour was described, or whether the file contains weaknesses that can be used in negotiation or at trial.
If you want the full defence process, see our separate article on how to fight stunt driving in Ontario.
Do You Need a Stunt Driving Lawyer or Licensed Paralegal?
Legal representation is not mandatory for a stunt driving charge in Ontario. You can choose to handle the case yourself.
However, many drivers get legal help because stunt driving cases can involve disclosure review, speed evidence, procedural issues, prosecutor negotiations, court appearances, and trial preparation.
Legal help may be especially important if:
- you drive for work;
- you are a novice or G2 driver;
- you already have prior convictions;
- you cannot risk a long licence suspension;
- the alleged speed is very high;
- the charge involves racing or aggressive driving allegations;
- you are worried about insurance consequences.
When the charge may affect your licence, job, insurance, or driving record, getting the case reviewed early can help you understand your options before making a decision.
Speak With X-COPS About Your Stunt Driving Charge
If you have been charged with stunt driving in Ontario, do not wait until the matter moves further through court. The earlier the case is reviewed, the easier it is to understand the evidence, the risks, and the possible defence options.
X-COPS helps drivers across Ontario deal with stunt driving charges, including cases involving excessive speed, racing allegations, roadside suspensions, vehicle impoundment, and summonses.
Call X-COPS today for a free consultation about your stunt driving charge.
X-COPS helps drivers with stunt driving charges across Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Ottawa, Hamilton, Barrie, London, Vaughan, Newmarket and nearby areas.