While it is not a criminal offence, Stunt Driving conviction penalties are often more severe than other traffic ticket convictions. The more costly result of being convicted of Stunt Driving is the insurance increases, which are far higher than for other traffic convictions.
To understand why that is, and how your insurance rates are affected by a stunt driving conviction, you need to understand the penalties involved and how insurance companies determine their car insurance premiums.
Penalties for Stunt Driving
Stunt driving charges, commonly referred to as “racing”, are usually issued if you are caught exceeding posted speed limits by 50 km or more. They can also be issued for squealing tires, performing a ‘stunt’ while driving or otherwise executing dangerous maneuvers with your car, including “donuts’, or driving with a person in the trunk of the motor vehicle.
It’s the implications of stunt driving for your safety, and the safety of other road users, that make penalties relatively severe, including an automatic roadside driver’s license suspension for seven days.
If you are convicted of stunt driving, you may face the following penalties:
- 6 demerit points
- A fine of $2,000.00 to $10,000.00
- The possible suspension of your driver’s licence for up to 2 years
- A possible prison term of up to 6 months
- Possible insurance rate increases for up to 3 years or more
How Insurance Companies Determine Their Rates
Ontario auto insurance companies base their insurance premiums on their perceived risk factor for a driver and the perceived risk factors for different categories of drivers.
For example, if a driver is convicted of speeding, their insurance rates are likely to go up more than they would for a seatbelt violation because speeding is more likely to cause an accident. Also, younger drivers face higher insurance rates because they are, as a group, a higher risk for insurance companies.
If you are convicted of stunt driving, your insurance company considers that to be an indication that you are at high risk of being involved in an accident, and it will affect your insurance rates more than being convicted of many other traffic charges.
Depending on your driving record, the stunt driving charge may trigger insurance companies to deem you a high-risk driver, subject to high-risk insurance rates. They may even refuse to insure you.
X-Copper’s team of former police officers and top traffic ticket defence lawyers are experienced in defending against stunt-driving charges. They will use their experience and knowledge of criminal law, law enforcement and court procedures to protect your rights and get the best outcome.
If you found this post helpful, check out our article “What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket”.
