What Happens If You Get a Stunt Driving Charge in Ontario?

When a police officer believes a stunt driving offence has occurred, the consequences happen immediately, before any court date. The officer will issue an immediate 30-day licence suspension. Your vehicle will be towed and impounded for 14 days. You will be responsible for all towing and storage fees, which can range from $500 to $1,500 or more. You cannot drive home. Someone else must come to pick you up.

After the roadside actions, you will receive a court date. Stunt driving is a serious provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act and is handled in court, not resolved by simply paying a fine. You may hire a paralegal or lawyer. If convicted, penalties escalate from the roadside consequences.

A court conviction for stunt driving carries the following additional penalties beyond the roadside consequences.

A stunt driving conviction is classified as a major conviction by insurers. Your insurance company may cancel your policy. To get coverage after a conviction, you will likely need to go through a high-risk insurer, which can cost three to five times more than standard rates. This elevated cost typically lasts for several years. Combined with reinstatement fees, court costs, impound costs, and lost income from not being able to drive, a single stunt driving charge can cost $20,000 or more in total.

If you receive a stunt driving charge, consult a paralegal or lawyer who specializes in traffic law before your court date. Some charges can be reduced or withdrawn depending on the circumstances. Do not simply plead guilty without understanding the full consequences. The 30-day suspension and 14-day impound cannot be reversed, but the court-imposed penalties can sometimes be mitigated with proper representation.