An Ottawa driver has been charged with stunt driving after being clocked at 154 km/h on Highway 417, well over the speed limit. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed the incident, which occurred just after midnight on Friday. The driver was pulled over by OPP officers conducting speed enforcement along the highway.
As a result of the excessive speed, the driver is facing significant penalties under Ontario’s strict stunt driving laws. Their driver’s licence has been immediately suspended for 30 days, and their vehicle impounded for 14 days.
If convicted, the consequences could be even more severe. The driver could face a minimum fine of $2,000, the accumulation of six demerit points on their driving record, and a potential one-year driving prohibition. In addition to these penalties, a stunt driving conviction could also lead to increased insurance premiums, as insurers often view such infractions as high-risk behavior.
Ontario’s stunt driving laws are part of broader efforts to reduce dangerous driving and increase road safety. Speeds of 50 km/h or more over the posted limit fall under the definition of stunt driving, and those caught face immediate penalties even before a court appearance.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to speed limits and driving safely, particularly on major highways where excessive speeds can result in severe consequences for both drivers and other road users.