Stunt Driving in Ontario (2026): Section 172, Roadside Penalties, and How a Charge Actually Plays Out
A stunt driving charge under section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act starts with an immediate 30-day licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impound — before...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal the 30-day roadside licence suspension?
No. The Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension is statutory under section 172(5) and runs automatically once the charge is laid. Even if the charge is later withdrawn, the 30 days have already been served. Your remedy is the trial of the underlying offence, not a separate appeal of the suspension.
What if I was just barely over the threshold — say 41 km/h on a 50 km/h road?
The threshold is absolute, so you are still chargeable. However, prosecutors have discretion, and pleas down to careless driving or section 128 speeding are sometimes accepted where the speed is just over the threshold and there are no aggravating factors. Disclosure should be reviewed before any plea is entered.
How will a stunt driving conviction affect my insurance?
Most insurers classify stunt driving as a major or "criminal-tier" conviction. Standard-market premiums often double or triple, and many insurers refuse to renew, pushing the driver into the high-risk facility market for three years from the date of conviction.
Do I get the vehicle back after 14 days?
Yes, but you must pay the towing and storage fees in full before release. The impound charges are not waived even if the charge is later withdrawn. If the vehicle owner is someone other than the driver, the owner may have a separate civil claim against the driver.
Can I drive to work during the 30-day suspension?
No. There is no work-purpose exemption for a section 172 ADLS. Driving on a suspended licence is itself an offence under section 53 of the Highway Traffic Act, with its own fines, a further licence suspension, and possible vehicle impoundment.
Will pleading guilty get me a faster outcome?
A guilty plea ends the case quickly but carries the full penalty range. In most cases, requesting disclosure and consulting with a paralegal before entering any plea gives you a fuller picture of the prosecutor’s evidence and any defences available.
Contact Legal Assist
Legal Assist Paralegal Services — Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Serving London, Ontario and Southwestern Ontario. Call 226-272-5153 or email jeanfrancois@legalassist.london for a free consultation.