What Are My Chances of Getting a One-Year License Suspension for Stunt Driving?


As someone who has defended thousands of stunt driving cases across Ontario, I need to deliver some sobering news: if you're convicted of stunt driving under Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, a minimum one-year license suspension is mandatory. There is no way around this statutory requirement—and it can be increased up to three years at the court's discretion.


Let me be absolutely clear: the only way to avoid this mandatory suspension is to avoid the stunt driving conviction altogether. This is why proper legal representation and strategic defense are critical from day one.


The Mandatory Nature of Stunt Driving Suspensions


Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act is unequivocal about license suspensions for stunt driving convictions:

- Minimum suspension: 1 year (mandatory, no exceptions)


- Maximum suspension: 3 years (at judge's discretion)


- First offence: Minimum 1 year


- Second offence: Minimum 3 years


- Third or subsequent offence: Lifetime suspension possible

This is not negotiable. Unlike fines or other penalties that can be reduced, the one-year suspension is written into the law as a mandatory minimum.


Understanding Provincial Offences Court Data


According to the Provincial Offences Court data I've analyzed, stunt driving charges have increased by 146% across Ontario from 2015 to 2024. With 33,150 charges laid in 2024 alone, the volume of drivers facing mandatory suspensions has reached unprecedented levels.

Year


Stunt Driving Charges in Ontario


Year-over-Year Increase

2015


13,486


-

2020


23,802


+21.37%

2021


27,602


+15.97%

2024


33,150


+6.04%

*Source: Provincial Offences Act Court Data (2015-2024)


The Two-Stage Suspension Process


Stunt driving actually involves two separate suspensions mandated by the Highway Traffic Act:

- Immediate Roadside Suspension: 30 days (automatic upon being charged)


- Court-Imposed Suspension: Minimum 1 year upon conviction

These suspensions are cumulative, meaning the court suspension begins after the roadside suspension ends.


Graduated Licensing and Suspension Impact


The Highway Traffic Act specifies different impacts based on license class:

License Type


Suspension Impact Under HTA s.172


Additional Consequences

G1/G2 (Novice)


1 year minimum + return to start of graduated licensing


Must restart entire licensing process

Full G License


1 year minimum


Must requalify after suspension ends

Commercial (AZ/DZ)


1 year minimum


May affect CVOR and employment

High-Risk Jurisdictions Based on Court Data


My analysis of Provincial Offences Court data reveals significant variations in stunt driving charges across Ontario jurisdictions:

Jurisdiction


2024 Charges


% Increase Since 2015

Brampton


914


+619.69%

Mississauga


726


+218.74%

Toronto


682


+158.42%

Hamilton


382


+176.09%

York Region


578


+202.62%

*Source: Provincial Offences Act Court Data (2015-2024)


National Context: License Suspensions Across Canada


According to Statistics Canada, driver's license suspensions remain a significant issue nationwide:

- In 2019, courts imposed 54,886 prohibitions from driving (most recent comprehensive data available)


- Ontario represented approximately 40% of national driving prohibitions


- Average prohibition length for serious driving offences: 1.5 years

*Source: Statistics Canada, Adult criminal and youth courts, guilty cases by type of sentence


Using Nextlaw's Resources to Avoid Conviction


Since the one-year suspension is mandatory upon conviction, the only strategy is to avoid conviction entirely. My Stunt Driving Penalty Test helps assess your case's strength and potential defenses that could prevent conviction.


Time is critical in these cases. Our Stunt Driving 24/7 Helpline ensures you can get immediate guidance on protecting your license.


Real Client Success Story


This firm saved my entire life. I got a stunt driving ticket last fall because I had been driving somewhere that was for an emergency late at night and I was so stressed I didn't realize I had passed the 50 over the speed limit mark. A real panic inducing situation, as I was about to start a new job that required a clean driving record, and I was a first time offender other than parking tickets. I shopped around for lawyers and paralegals, and was given wildly varying quotes and wildly varying expectations. Some lawyers told me they'd get me off scot free and that it wouldn't be hard. Others were honest that they'd try their best to get charges dropped but it was ultimately up to the judge. NextLaw was upfront that this would be a tough case, but they'd do everything possible to get the best outcome. The process was extremely straightforward, and Dan and Jon were proactive in setting up meetings with me, letting me know what I needed to provide to set me up for success, and responded quickly to all my questions. I always knew what was happening and what we were discussing, which was a great comfort in an otherwise bleak situation. I'm happy to report that they ended up working hard to get the charges reduced to a couple of minor tickets. I got to keep my license with no suspension, got to start my new job with no issues, and will be back to having a clean record in no time. This was a massive relief. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Worth every penny, considering what they saved me from, and how thorough and pleasant they were to deal with throughout it all. - K.M.


Impact of License Suspension Beyond Driving


Based on my experience defending stunt driving cases, a one-year suspension affects more than just your ability to drive:

- Employment: Jobs requiring driving become impossible to maintain


- Insurance: Facility insurance typically required for several years post-suspension


- Financial: Alternative transportation costs often exceed monthly car payments


- Travel: Some countries may deny entry to those with serious driving offences

The Critical Importance of Early Intervention


Because the one-year suspension is mandatory upon conviction, the time to act is immediately after being charged. In my experience, early intervention strategies include:

- Preserving evidence that may help your defense


- Identifying potential witnesses


- Documenting any technical or procedural issues


- Beginning negotiations early when prosecutors may be more flexible

There is Only One Way to Avoid the Mandatory Suspension


Let me be unequivocal: if you are convicted of stunt driving in Ontario, you will lose your license for at least one year. There are no exceptions, no special circumstances, and no way to reduce this mandatory minimum set out in Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.


The only strategy is to avoid conviction altogether. This requires immediate action, strategic defense planning, and experienced representation familiar with the technical and procedural defenses available in stunt driving cases.


With stunt driving charges increasing by 146% since 2015, and over 33,000 charges laid in 2024 alone, thousands of Ontario drivers are facing mandatory license suspensions. Don't become another statistic.


For a comprehensive assessment of your case and the best chance of avoiding the mandatory suspension, use our Stunt Driving Penalty Test or contact us immediately through our 24/7 Helpline.


Remember: once convicted, the one-year suspension is automatic and unavoidable. Your only option is to fight the charge itself.


*Disclaimer: Statistics cited in this article are derived from publicly available sources including Provincial Offences Act Court Data (2015-2024), Statistics Canada, and the Highway Traffic Act. While we strive for accuracy, there may be variations in how data is reported. Legal outcomes vary based on individual circumstances. https://www.nextlaw.ca/?p=31516