A recent crash in Kitchener involving a 19 year old man resulted in dangerous driving, failing to remain at the scene of a crime, and stunt driving charges. The man was driving an SUV when he lost control. He jumped the curb, hit a tree, knocked down a fence, smashed into a house, and tree, severed a natural gas line. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the residential area where this all took place.

Stunt driving is a disturbingly common offence in Ontario. Police say that many people who are caught aren’t aware of how far they are exceeding the speed limit, nor are they aware of the enormous consequences of being charged with the offence. Stunt driving includes:

• driving that exceeds the speed limit by 50 km/h,
• driving with an oxide injection system,
• driving in such a way that prevents other vehicles from passing,
• intentionally cutting off other cars,
• road rage,
• driving too close to another car, pedestrian or fixed object
• driving with someone in the truck
• driving donuts
• driving while not sitting in the driver seat,

Often people end up with stunt charges when moving from highway speed of 80 km/h or 90 km/h to a residential are with a speed of 50 km/h.

If you are caught and charged with stunt driving the consequences are swift and harsh.

1. Your licence is immediately taken away. The police remove your licence on the spot, for a 7 day suspension. It will cost you a trip to the Ministry and $180 to get it back.
2. Your car will be automatically impounded for seven days regardless of who owns it. You, or the owner of the car will be responsible for all towing fees, impound fees and release fees. If you want to get the car back the fees must be paid.
3. Huge fines will be levied. The fines for stunt driving are double for impaired driving. The minimum first time fine is $2000 and can go as high as $10,000. Six demerit points are assessed. There is an option for a 6 month jail sentence and 2 year licence suspension.
4. Insurance rates will sky rocket.  Your insurance rates will increase considerably. You will be considered a ‘high risk’ driver, and your insurer may cancel your policy all together.

If you enjoy driving fast, the police and insurers recommend you take up driving on a closed track facility, not on city streets and highways.