Stunt Driving and Racing Charges in Ontario
Stunt driving brings immediate roadside consequences before any court has heard the case. If you have been charged, act quickly.
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Offence Overview
Understanding stunt driving in Ontario
Stunt driving and racing charges under the Highway Traffic Act cover a defined list of driving behaviours, including exceeding the speed limit by a prescribed margin, as well as conduct such as chasing, marked acceleration, and driving in a way that prevents other vehicles from passing.
What sets this charge apart is the immediate administrative consequence. On a charge being laid, a roadside driver's licence suspension and vehicle impoundment apply as an administrative measure — before any finding of guilt and independent of the court process. Those are two separate tracks running at once.
Because the charge captures both very high speeds and non-speed conduct, exactly which branch is alleged matters a great deal. The first thing we do is identify precisely what has been charged and on what basis.
Possible Consequences
What may be at stake
These are the kinds of consequences that can arise on conviction. They are described in general terms only.
Immediate roadside suspension
An administrative licence suspension applies at the roadside when the charge is laid, separate from anything the court later decides.
Vehicle impoundment
The vehicle is impounded at the roadside, and towing and storage costs are the owner's responsibility regardless of the outcome.
Fine
A conviction carries a fine range that is substantially higher than ordinary moving violations, plus surcharge and costs.
Licence suspension on conviction
A further suspension is available on conviction, with longer periods for repeat findings.
Demerit points
A conviction carries demerit points in addition to any suspension.
Insurance
Insurers commonly treat this as a major conviction, with corresponding consequences for premiums or eligibility.
Possible imprisonment
Imprisonment is among the sentencing options available on conviction for this offence.
Consequences vary. What actually applies to you depends on the specific charge laid, the facts of your case, your driving record, your insurer, and the law in force at the time. Nothing on this page is legal advice and no outcome is guaranteed.
How We May Help
What Aria Legal may do on your file
Depending on the circumstances, and where appropriate. No outcome is guaranteed.
- Reviewing your ticket, summons or certificate of offence for accuracy and service issues
- Requesting and reviewing disclosure from the prosecution where available
- Explaining the options that may be open to you, in plain language
- Identifying possible legal or evidentiary issues in the case against you
- Communicating with the prosecutor where appropriate
- Representing you in Provincial Offences Court where permitted
- Keeping you informed at each stage of the matter
Issues we may look at in a stunt driving matter
- Which branch of the stunt driving definition is alleged, and on what evidence
- How the speed was measured, tested and recorded, where speed is the basis
- Whether the officer's notes and the certificate of offence are consistent
- The status and timing of the roadside suspension and impoundment
- Whether discussion with the prosecutor about a resolution is appropriate
- Whether any lesser Highway Traffic Act allegation is a realistic subject of discussion
After You Receive The Ticket
What to do next
- 01
Read the ticket carefully
Check the offence charged, the date, the location and the set fine. Small details on the certificate can matter.
- 02
Check every deadline
There is a limited window to dispute a ticket or respond to a summons. Missing it can lead to a conviction being entered without you.
- 03
Do not ignore it
Ignoring a ticket does not make it go away — it usually results in a conviction, added costs, and possible licence consequences.
- 04
Preserve relevant documents
Keep photos, dashcam footage, repair invoices, GPS data, medical notes, witness names and anything else connected to the day in question.
- 05
Get legal advice before you decide
Paying the fine is generally treated as a guilty plea. Speak to a licensed representative before you pay anything.
- 06
Contact Aria Legal for a case review
Send us the ticket and we will review it and explain the options that may be available in your situation.
Stunt Driving FAQ
Questions about stunt driving
Still have questions? Call (416) 917-7957 for a free consultation.
My licence was suspended at the roadside. Can that be undone before trial?
The roadside suspension is an administrative consequence that applies when the charge is laid, and it operates separately from the court case. It is not simply lifted by disputing the ticket. We can explain how the administrative and court tracks interact in your situation.
Who pays for the towing and impound?
Towing and storage costs are the vehicle owner's responsibility, and they are payable regardless of how the court case ultimately turns out. That is one reason to deal with the impoundment side promptly.
What if I was not the owner of the car?
The impoundment attaches to the vehicle, so an owner who was not driving can still be affected. If you are an owner in that position, contact us — the owner's position is addressed differently from the driver's.
Is stunt driving only about speed?
No. The definition includes several categories of driving conduct beyond speed, such as chasing, marked acceleration, and preventing other vehicles from passing. Identifying which branch is alleged is the starting point of any review.
Can a stunt driving charge be resolved to a lesser allegation?
Discussions with the prosecutor sometimes lead to a resolution on a different allegation, but this depends entirely on the disclosure, the alleged conduct, your record and the prosecutor's position. Nothing can be promised in advance.
Could I actually go to jail?
Imprisonment is among the sentencing options available on conviction for this offence. Whether it is a realistic prospect in a particular case depends on the circumstances, and it is something we would discuss with you candidly.
How quickly should I get help?
Quickly. There are time limits on the court side and practical deadlines on the impoundment side, and evidence such as dashcam or third-party video can be lost within days.
Will this show up as a criminal record?
A Highway Traffic Act stunt driving conviction is a provincial offence and does not itself create a criminal record. Related conduct can attract separate Criminal Code charges, which are a different proceeding with different consequences.
Related Services
Other Highway Traffic Act matters
Speeding Tickets
Charged with going over the posted limit? We review the ticket, the speed-measuring evidence and the options before you pay.
Learn moreCareless Driving
One of the most serious non-criminal driving charges in Ontario. We review the evidence and explain what the charge actually requires.
Learn moreDriving While Suspended
Driving while your licence is under suspension is treated seriously. The reason for the underlying suspension matters.
Learn moreFail to Remain
Leaving the scene of a collision is charged seriously — even when the driver did not realise a collision occurred.
Learn moreContact
Send us your ticket details
Tell us what you were charged with and when. We will review it and explain the options that may be available.
Aria Legal — 7581 Jane St, Unit 202G, Concord, ON L4K 1X3
(416) 917-7957 · Hta@arialegal.ca
Contact Aria Legal
Send us the details of your charge. We respond within 24 hours.