Speeding & Stunt Driving in Ontario: What You're Really Facing

Speeding Fines & Demerit Points (HTA s. 128)

All fines above are subject to a 20% victim surcharge and $5 court cost.

Stunt Driving (HTA s. 172)

Stunt driving is triggered by speeds of 40 km/h or more over the limit in a 80 km/h or less zone, or 50 km/h or more over in faster zones. As of 2021, the thresholds were lowered.

• Immediate roadside suspension: 30 days (first offence), 60 days (second), 90 days (third+)
• Vehicle impoundment: 14 days (towing + storage fees at your cost)
• Upon conviction: 1–3 year licence suspension, $2,000–$10,000 fine, 6 demerit points
• Insurance impact: Insurers may cancel your policy or increase premiums by 50–300%

Careless Driving (HTA s. 130)

Careless driving is one of the most serious HTA offences. It carries 6 demerit points, a fine up to $2,000, and up to 6 months in jail for a first offence. Insurance companies treat a careless driving conviction similarly to a major at-fault accident.

Novice Driver Rules (G1 / G2)

Under Ontario's Graduated Licensing System, novice drivers face licence suspension with as few as9 demerit points (vs. 15 for fully licensed drivers). A single stunt driving or careless driving conviction can end a G2 licence entirely.

Common Defences

• Calibration records: Radar / laser must be calibrated and the officer trained on the specific device
• Speeding necessity: Narrow but available — e.g., avoiding an immediate collision
• Target lock confirmation: Was the officer's reading locked onto your vehicle and not another?
• Disclosure failures: If the Crown cannot provide officer notes or device records, the charge may be withdrawn
• Plea negotiation: Often a 50+ km/h charge can be reduced to a 30–49 range, avoiding stunt driving consequences

Why Hire a Paralegal?

A licensed paralegal can obtain full Crown disclosure, attend first appearance on your behalf, cross-examine the officer, and often negotiate a reduced charge or full withdrawal — all without you needing to take time off work for court.