FAQs
What should I do if I get a traffic ticket in Ontario?
You should never simply pay a traffic ticket without knowing your options. Paying a ticket is the same as pleading guilty, which can lead to fines, demerit points, licence suspensions, and higher insurance premiums. You only have 15 Days to exercise one of your 3 options. Speaking with a licensed paralegal gives you the chance to fight the charge or reduce the penalties.
What is considered stunt driving in Ontario?
Stunt driving includes more than just excessive speeding. In Ontario, you can be charged for going 40 km/h or more over the limit on roads with speed limits under 80 km/h, or 50 km/h or more over on faster roads. It also covers behaviours such as street racing, tailgating, weaving in traffic, or performing dangerous maneuvers like “donuts” or “wheelies.”
What are the penalties for stunt driving in Ontario?
Penalties are severe. You face an immediate 30-day roadside licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impound. If convicted, fines range from $2,000 to $10,000, plus six demerit points, a possible jail sentence of up to six months, and a licence suspension of one to three years for a first offence. A second conviction can mean losing your licence for life.
Is stunt driving a criminal charge in Ontario?
No. Stunt driving is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act, not the Criminal Code. However, it is still extremely serious and is treated as a “major conviction” by insurance companies, often making your insurance unaffordable or even cancelled.
Will a stunt driving charge affect my insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies view stunt driving as one of the most serious convictions. A conviction often causes your premiums to double or triple, or you may even be dropped by your insurer altogether. Avoiding a conviction is the best way to protect your driving record and insurance rates.
Can a stunt driving charge be reduced in court?
Yes. With experienced legal representation, stunt driving charges can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offence such as speeding. This can help you avoid a licence suspension and the devastating impact on your insurance.
Do I need to appear in court for a stunt driving charge?
In most cases, no. A paralegal can attend court on your behalf, saving you time, stress, and missed work.
Can a stunt driving charge be dismissed?
Yes. Every case is different, but stunt driving charges can be dismissed if the evidence is weak, if police procedure wasn’t followed, or if there are issues with radar/lidar calibration and operation.
How much does it cost to fight a stunt driving charge?
Costs vary depending on your case, but fighting a stunt driving charge is an investment compared to the long-term costs of higher insurance and losing your licence. Our office offers transparent pricing and will explain the value of defending your case before you make any decisions.
What should I do immediately after being charged with stunt driving?
Do not plead guilty or pay any fines without speaking to a legal professional. Contact a licensed paralegal as soon as possible. The earlier you get legal advice, the better your chances of reducing or eliminating the charges against you.
Why should I hire your firm to defend my stunt driving charge?
Experience matters. Our firm has successfully defended clients facing serious traffic charges, including stunt driving, racing, careless driving, and other major offences. We understand how to challenge evidence, negotiate reductions, and protect your licence, your record, and your insurance. When your freedom to drive is on the line, you need someone in your corner who knows the system inside and out. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.