Adjusted stunt driving laws begin July 1
The Thunder Bay Police Service would like motorists to be aware of Highway Traffic Act changes taking effect on July 1.
The Highway Traffic Act has been amended so that the definition of stunt driving now includes “exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more on roads with a speed limit less than 80 km/h.”
This means that a motorist travelling on a roadway with a speed limit at or below 70 km/h will be stunt driving if they exceed the posted speed limit by 40 km/h. Meanwhile, a motorist travelling on a roadway with a posted maximum speed limit of 80 km/h or more will be considered stunt driving if they exceed that speed limit by 50 km/h.
Also beginning July 1, the HTA is amended to increase the duration of the seven-day vehicle impoundment to 14 days.
Stunt driving represents a serious risk to public safety, and all motorists are responsible for obeying the posted maximum speed limits of the roads they travel. Please remember that you can help make our roadways safer by continuing to practice safe and defensive driving habits.
Stunt driving penalties for first offence stunt driving may include:
• Minimum $2,000 fine; maximum $10,000 fine
• A jail term of up to six months
• Six demerit points
• A post-conviction driver’s licence suspension of at least one year to a maximum of three years
• A mandatory driver education course to educate drivers on the risks and consequences of aggressive driving behaviour
Stunt driving penalties for second and subsequent offences may include:
• A minimum $2,000 and a maximum $10,000 fine
• A jail term of up to six months
• Six demerit points
• A post-conviction driver’s licence suspension, for second offence a minimum of three to 10 years, for third offence, a lifetime suspension (which may be reduced if certain conditions are met) and for a fourth offence a lifetime suspension
• A mandatory driver education course to educate drivers on the risks and consequences of aggressive driving behaviour