Ontario cracks down on street racing

The Ontario government has expanded its crackdown on street racing, increasing the maximum fine to Cdn$10,000 and widening the definition of the crime in an effort to curb dangerous driving.

The definition of a “stunt” will include driving at 50 km-h or more above the posted speed limit, a press release from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) says.

On average, the ministry reports, there are approximately 2,500 convictions a year for driving at this rate of speed.

According to the MCSCS, the risk of a fatality or serious injury is almost three times greater for vehicles crashing at 50 km-h or more above the posted limit on a highway with a posted limit of 100 km-h, and the risk is even higher on roads with lower posted limits.

The maximum fine for street racing or participating in a driving contest has been increased to $10,000 – the highest street racing penalty in Canada – and the minimum to $2,000.

The new regulation takes effect at the end of September. It specifies how police will issue a seven-day driver’s licence suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment at roadside. For a second conviction, it also allows a court-ordered suspension of up to 10 years if the second conviction occurs within 10 years, the MCSCS statement says.