Stunt Driving in Ontario
A stunt-driving charge can take a driver off the road before a court decides the case. Understand the roadside measures, the charge and the separate penalties that can follow a conviction.
In the road rules, “highway” includes ordinary streets and public roads, not just 400-series highways. Whether a particular place is covered depends on the legal definition and how it is used. Some charges have different location rules.
- Law
- HTA section 172; O. Reg. 455/07
- Roadside measures
- 30-day licence suspension; 14-day vehicle impoundment
- Driver points
- 6 after a conviction
- Court fine range
- $2,000–$10,000; jail is also possible
Official sources checked October 29, 2026 · General information; independent legal review pending.
What counts as stunt driving?
Highway Traffic Act, section 172 — read the legal wording
Reference copy · Source currency: October 26, 2026 · Retrieved 2026-10-29. This copy does not update automatically. Grey paragraphs identify source notes about changes not yet in force.
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Ontario Regulation 455/07, section 3 — read the legal wording
Reference copy · Source currency: October 21, 2026 · Retrieved 2026-10-29. This copy does not update automatically. Grey paragraphs identify source notes about changes not yet in force.
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- 40 km/h or more over the limit where the limit is below 80 km/h.
- 50 km/h or more over the limit where the limit is 80 km/h or higher.
- 150 km/h or more, including on a public road with a 110 km/h limit.
Other defined stunts include intentionally losing tire traction, certain sharp turns and driving without due care and attention in specified ways. Each definition has its own wording. Certain non-speed stunts also apply in specified places such as parking lots. Do not assume that every definition applies everywhere.
Driving below a stunt-driving speed does not make speeding lawful. Speeding, careless driving or another charge may still apply.
What happens at the roadside?
If the officer has the legal grounds required by section 172, the licence is suspended for 30 days. The vehicle is held for 14 days. These measures happen before a conviction. The vehicle can be impounded even if it belongs to someone else. Towing and storage costs are separate from a court fine.
Challenging the charge does not automatically lift these roadside measures. Do not drive while suspended. A court date after the 30 days does not itself tell you whether you are legally licensed to drive again. Check your status and any reinstatement requirements with MTO.
What can happen after conviction?
Section 172 allows a fine of $2,000 to $10,000, jail for up to six months, or both. Surcharges and costs can add to a fine. These are possible court penalties. They are not a single ticket price.
| Conviction history under the Act’s counting rules | Licence suspension |
|---|---|
| First conviction | 1 to 3 years |
| Second conviction | 3 to 10 years |
| Third conviction | Indefinite; a reduction may be available after 10 years if requirements are met |
| Fourth or later conviction | Indefinite, without that reduction |
The dates of earlier convictions and the law’s counting rules matter. Do not decide which row applies just by counting charges on a record.
A conviction also carries six driver demerit points. The driver must also complete a driver improvement course. New-driver rules can create further consequences. The roadside suspension and court suspension are separate. Insurance consequences can remain significant even if a charge is reduced.
Highway Traffic Act, section 172 — read the legal wording
Reference copy · Source currency: October 26, 2026 · Retrieved 2026-10-29. This copy does not update automatically. Grey paragraphs identify source notes about changes not yet in force.
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What evidence can a paralegal review?
A licensed paralegal can check which stunt the driver is charged with. For a speed-based charge, the evidence may include police notes, the measured speed, the posted limit and how the vehicle was identified.
For other stunt charges, video, road conditions and what the officer saw may matter. The paralegal can request disclosure: the police notes and other relevant information held by the prosecutor. A short observation or a clean record does not automatically end the charge.
Why get professional advice?
A licensed paralegal or lawyer can explain the evidence, possible penalties and court process. The prosecutor must prove each required part of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. That is a high standard of proof, not a requirement for the driver to prove innocence.
The representative can assess a trial, a possible withdrawal or any proposed resolution. No result is guaranteed. A guilty plea to a lesser charge still creates a conviction and may affect insurance. Read about early resolution and convictions →
Common questions
Do I have to race another driver?
No. A defined stunt can involve one vehicle. The alleged conduct must still meet the applicable definition.
Is this the same as a Criminal Code charge?
No. This article covers the provincial HTA offence. Dangerous driving and other Criminal Code charges have different elements and penalties.
Can it affect a commercial operator?
A commercial case may also affect a carrier’s record. Six driver points are not a CVOR point value. See the CVOR guide.
Official sources and review status
Checked against the current official sources on October 29, 2026. Confirm the law applicable to the alleged offence date. This article does not update automatically and has not received independent legal review.
Highway Traffic Act, section 172 — read the legal wording
Reference copy · Source currency: October 26, 2026 · Retrieved 2026-10-29. This copy does not update automatically. Grey paragraphs identify source notes about changes not yet in force.
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Ontario Regulation 455/07, section 2 — read the legal wording
Reference copy · Source currency: October 21, 2026 · Retrieved 2026-10-29. This copy does not update automatically. Grey paragraphs identify source notes about changes not yet in force.
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Ontario Regulation 455/07, section 3 — read the legal wording
Reference copy · Source currency: October 21, 2026 · Retrieved 2026-10-29. This copy does not update automatically. Grey paragraphs identify source notes about changes not yet in force.
Open this panel to load the section.
Ontario Regulation 455/07, section 4 — read the legal wording
Reference copy · Source currency: October 21, 2026 · Retrieved 2026-10-29. This copy does not update automatically. Grey paragraphs identify source notes about changes not yet in force.
Open this panel to load the section.
Ontario Regulation 455/07, section 5 — read the legal wording
Reference copy · Source currency: October 21, 2026 · Retrieved 2026-10-29. This copy does not update automatically. Grey paragraphs identify source notes about changes not yet in force.
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- MTO: Speeding and aggressive driving ↗
- Demerit points regulation, table item 3 ↗
- Ontario Court of Justice: Guide for defendants ↗