What is the MOMS Act?
The Moving Ontarians More Safely (MOMS) Act was introduced in response to a sharp rise in dangerous driving behaviour in Ontario, including street racing and stunt driving. It came into effect on July 1, 2021, and has since been updated with further oversight measures taking full effect through January 1, 2024.
The act aims to:
- Crack down on stunt driving and street racing
- Improve commercial truck safety
- Protect cyclists and road workers
- Strengthen oversight of the towing industry
What Are the New Stunt Driving Thresholds?
Stunt driving is no longer defined by a single speed. The limits depend on the road you are on:
- On roads with a limit under 80 km/h: Stunt driving begins at 40 km/h over the limit.
- On roads with a limit of 80 km/h or higher: Stunt driving begins at 50 km/h over the limit.
- Anywhere in Ontario: Driving at 150 km/h or more is automatically considered stunt driving, regardless of the posted limit.
What Are the Penalties?
If you are pulled over for stunt driving or racing, the police will charge you with immediate administrative penalties at the roadside:
- License Suspension: Increased from 7 days to 30 days.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Increased from 7 days to 14 days (this applies even if the vehicle is not yours).
Penalties Upon Conviction
If found guilty in court, the mandatory driver’s license suspensions have become significantly longer:
- First Offence: 1 to 3 years.
- Second Offence: 3 to 10 years.
- Third Offence: Lifetime suspension (potentially reducible to 10 years).
- Fourth Offence: Permanent lifetime suspension.
- Fines: Minimum $2,000 to a maximum of $10,000.
- Jail Time: Up to six months.
What Does it Mean for Your Car Insurance?
This means that engaging in stunt driving not only puts your car at risk of collision but can also lead to higher insurance rates or even policy cancellation.
Key Advice from MyChoice
- One stunt driving conviction will almost certainly move you to the non-standard (high-risk) market. Expect your premiums to double or triple, often exceeding $6,000 to $10,000 per year in cities like Toronto.
- Standard “Accident Forgiveness” endorsements do not apply to stunt driving, racing, or any Criminal Code-related driving offences.
- Convictions stay on your record for three years. If you switch insurers, the new company will see the stunt driving charge on your abstract and will likely decline to cover you in the standard market.