Stunt driving, as defined by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, encompasses a range of dangerous driving behaviours.

These include driving at a speed 50 km/h or more above the speed limit, performing driving stunts, racing another vehicle, and engaging in actions that prevent another vehicle from passing. The Act’s broad definition aims to discourage reckless driving behaviours that endangers the public.

When a driver is caught stunt driving, the immediate repercussions are severe.

Police officers have the authority to suspend the driver’s licence with a roadside suspension and impound the vehicle on the spot.

Initially, the suspension lasts for 30 days, and the vehicle impoundment is for 14 days. These immediate penalties are designed to act as a deterrent against dangerous driving practices.

Where the driver has been charged the owner of the vehicle is responsible for costs of the towing and storage.

When a driver is stopped by the police for stunt driving, they will be required to leave their vehicle.

The police officer will then summon a tow truck, which, upon arrival, will tow the vehicle to the tow truck company’s storage yard for a 15-day impoundment. Simultaneously, the driver’s licence will be suspended on the spot for 30 days by the police officer, under an Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS).

The driver is then released by the police officer but given a summons to appear in court at a specified date.

Upon their court appearance for traffic violations, the driver faces the possibility of a second driver’s licence suspension under Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act.

According to this section, the driver may face an additional suspension of up to 2 years for a first offence and up to 10 years for any subsequent convictions.

Reinstating a licence after a stunt driving suspension involves several steps. Once the suspension period imposed by the court has ended, the individual must:

1. Pay a Reinstatement Fee: A fee is required to initiate the reinstatement process. This fee can be paid at any Service Ontario Centre.
2. Complete Any Mandated Courses: Where a licence has been suspended for 1 year or more the driver is required to take an eye test.

It’s important to note that the process can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, and additional requirements may be imposed by the court.