If you’ve been charged with stunt driving, one of the first questions you may ask is: how long will this stay on my record? The answer depends on what “record” you are referring to.
A stunt driving conviction in Ontario:
- Remains on your driving record indefinitely
- Carries 6 demerit points that stay for 2 years from the offence date
- Typically affects insurance rates for at least 3 years from the conviction date
Each of these operates differently. Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Does Stunt Driving Conviction Stay on Your Driving Record
A stunt driving conviction does not automatically disappear after a set number of years. Once registered, it remains on your driving record indefinitely. That means it may be visible on your driver’s abstract whenever it is requested by:
- Employers
- Government agencies
- Law enforcement
- Insurance companies
While some organizations may focus only on recent history, the conviction itself does not automatically expire.
Because of that long-term impact, understanding how to fight stunt driving in Ontario before a conviction is entered becomes especially important.
How Long Does Stunt Driving Affect Insurance in Ontario?
Insurance companies typically treat stunt driving as a major conviction. Most insurers rate major convictions for at least three years from the date of conviction. During that period, you may:
- face significantly increased premiums,
- be required to obtain high-risk insurance,
- have limited insurer options.
After a licence suspension ends, obtaining affordable coverage can still be difficult for several years.
But keep in mind that in case of conviction for stunt driving in Ontario, you’ll receive a minimum licence suspension of one year, which means you will not be allowed to drive during this time. As you cannot drive, insurance is not even relevant here.
How Long Do Demerit Points for Stunt Driving Stay On Your Record?
A stunt driving charge carries a six-demerit point penalty. These demerit points remain on your driver’s abstract for two years from the date of offence. After two years, the demerit points will reset and disappear from your record. However, the conviction itself remains.
Does Stunt Driving Stay on Court Records?
There is no fixed time limit preventing a prosecutor from considering your prior stunt driving conviction in future proceedings. If you are charged again, your prior record may be reviewed when determining penalties.
This is especially important because repeat offences carry significantly harsher consequences under the Highway Traffic Act.
While a legal representative can make arguments, there is no definitive rule on how the courts will consider a stunt driving conviction in the future. This can have significant consequences, impacting your ability to obtain specific jobs or professional licences requiring a clean driving record.
Legal Help!
A stunt driving conviction in Ontario does not simply “expire”. While demerit points fall off after two years and insurance impact may ease over time, the conviction itself remains on your driving record indefinitely and can affect employment, licensing, and future charges.
What matters most is not how long it stays, but whether a conviction is entered at all.
If you are facing a stunt driving charge, speaking with an experienced stunt driving lawyer early can significantly affect the outcome. At X-COPS, we defend stunt driving cases across Ontario courts every day. Contact us for a free consultation to understand your options before a conviction becomes permanent!