Serious Offences
Traffic Offences With Serious Consequences
Some Ontario offences carry immediate roadside consequences — before a court ever hears the case — and significant penalties on conviction. Outcomes still depend on the facts of each case and current Ontario law; no two charges resolve the same way.
Stunt driving
Stunt driving under the Highway Traffic Act covers a defined set of driving behaviours, including extreme speeding thresholds that vary by posted speed limit. A stunt-driving charge can trigger an immediate roadside licence suspension and vehicle impoundment — administrative penalties tied to the charge itself, separate from whatever the court later decides. On conviction, reported penalties include a substantial fine, a licence suspension measured in years for a first conviction, demerit points, and the possibility of jail time for serious cases. Ontario tightened mandatory suspension rules for stunt-driving convictions effective January 1, 2026 — verify current penalties against an official source, since this is an area that has changed recently. Read more about stunt driving →
Careless driving
Careless driving — driving without due care and attention — is a broader offence than stunt driving, with a lower threshold to prove. It doesn’t carry an automatic roadside suspension or impoundment, but a conviction can still carry a substantial fine, demerit points, and a licence suspension of up to two years. Read more about careless driving →
Other offences with significant consequences
Several other offences are grouped here because of how significant their consequences can be, though each works differently:
- Driving while suspended — driving during a period when your licence is already suspended.
- Driving without insurance — operating a vehicle without mandatory insurance.
- Failing to remain at an accident — leaving a collision scene without stopping.
- Street racing — racing another vehicle on a public road.
- School-bus offences — passing a stopped school bus with lights flashing.
- Commercial vehicle offences — violations specific to trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles, which can also affect a carrier's safety rating.
This page is provided for general awareness only. It does not imply that every charge results in the same penalty, and it is not a guarantee of any legal outcome.
Sources
- Highway Traffic Act (Ontario) — stunt driving and careless driving provisions
- Government of Ontario — road safety and stunt-driving penalty updates