Getting caught stunt driving on Highway 401 near London results in immediate roadside devastation: the OPP will impound your vehicle for 14 days and suspend your licence for 30 days. If convicted in court, you face a minimum $2,000 fine, 6 demerit points, and a 1-to-3-year driving prohibition. You must hire a legal professional immediately.
Highway 401 stretching through Middlesex County and London is notorious for heavy traffic, long straightaways, and strict Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) speed enforcement. Many drivers mistakenly believe that keeping up with the fast lane is safe. However, under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, driving 150 km/h in a 100 km/h zone is classified as Stunt Driving. It is not just a speeding ticket; it is one of the most severe provincial offences you can commit.
The punishment begins before you even step inside a courtroom. ⚠️ The financial and logistical nightmare of losing your car and your licence on the side of the highway is completely disruptive to your life. Because a conviction will push you into “high-risk” insurance categories and threaten your employment, fighting the charge is essentially mandatory. Check our directory to find a highly rated London traffic lawyer or paralegal to defend you.
Step-by-Step Process in London, Ontario
Navigating a stunt driving charge involves dealing with the towing company, ServiceOntario, and eventually the Provincial Offences Court. Here is the timeline of what you must do.
Step 1: The Roadside Stop and Impound
When the OPP officer registers your speed, you will be pulled over and immediately stripped of your driving privileges for 30 days. 🚫 The officer will call a local London towing company to take your car. You will be left on the side of the highway and must arrange your own ride home (usually via taxi or rideshare). You cannot retrieve anything from the vehicle once it is on the tow truck.
Step 2: Retrieving Your Vehicle (After 14 Days)
You must wait exactly 14 days before you can get your car back. Because your licence is suspended for 30 days, you must bring a fully licensed friend or family member to the tow yard in London to drive the car off the lot. You are personally responsible for the massive towing and daily storage fees, which must be paid before the yard releases the vehicle.
Step 3: Reinstating Your Driver’s Licence (After 30 Days)
On day 31, your licence does not magically reactivate. 💳 You must go to a ServiceOntario location (like the ones on Dundas or Oxford Street) and pay a reinstatement fee. Only after you pay this fee and receive your temporary paper licence are you legally allowed to drive again while you wait for your court date.
Step 4: Fighting the Charge in Court
Your ticket will have a summons date for the London Provincial Offences Court at 824 Dundas Street. You or your legal representative must attend. Your paralegal will request the officer’s radar manual and dash-cam footage (disclosure) to look for technical errors. Often, a skilled representative can negotiate with the Crown to reduce the stunt driving charge to a standard “Speeding 49 km/h over” ticket to save your licence.
How Much Does it Cost in London?
Stunt driving is incredibly expensive, even before you pay a court fine. 💵 Here is a realistic look at the financial damage as of April 2026.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tow & Impound Fees | $1,000 – $1,500+ | Paid directly to the London tow yard for the mandatory 14-day hold. |
| Licence Reinstatement | $281 | Paid to MTO at ServiceOntario after your 30-day suspension ends. |
| Court Fines (If Convicted) | $2,000 – $10,000 | The mandatory minimum fine for a first-time stunt driving conviction. |
| Legal Representation | $2,000 – $5,000 | Fees for a traffic lawyer or paralegal to negotiate or run a trial. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The roadside penalties are immediate: 14 days without your car and 30 days without your licence. 🕐 The court process, however, is a marathon. It typically takes 6 to 12 months for the case to be resolved at the London courthouse. If you are convicted, the mandatory driving prohibition lasts for a minimum of 1 year, and the conviction stays on your insurance record for 3 full years, causing astronomical premium increases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly counts as stunt driving on the 401?
On roads where the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher (like Highway 401 or the 402), stunt driving is defined as driving 50 km/h or more over the limit. It also includes aggressive behaviours like street racing, doing “donuts,” or preventing other vehicles from passing.
Can I get a restricted work licence during my suspension?
No. Ontario does not offer “hardship” or restricted licences for work or school. During both the initial 30-day roadside suspension and any subsequent court-ordered prohibition, you absolutely cannot drive under any circumstances.
Will I go to jail for stunt driving?
It is possible, but rare for a first-time offender. The Highway Traffic Act allows a Justice of the Peace to sentence you to up to 6 months in provincial jail. This is usually reserved for repeat offenders or cases involving extreme speeds or collisions.
Is stunt driving a criminal record?
No. Stunt driving is an offence under the provincial Highway Traffic Act, not the federal Criminal Code of Canada. A conviction will not give you a criminal record, but it will effectively destroy your driving record and make you uninsurable in the standard market.
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