The Moving Ontarians More Safely (MOMS) Act introduced tougher roadside and court-imposed penalties for stunt driving and other dangerous driving offences in Ontario.
Our team reviewed the Act itself, in particular section 172 of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, O. Reg. 455/07, and provincial guidance on licence suspensions and vehicle impoundments to complete this article.
Keep reading to learn about Ontario’s current stunt-driving thresholds, the roadside and court penalties drivers face, how long a conviction remains on a driving record, and how it can affect your car insurance.
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 aimed 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 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.
These thresholds come from O. Reg. 455/07, the regulation under section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act, which defines stunt driving as more than just speed. Driving with a person in the trunk, driving from any seat other than the driver’s seat, lifting your front wheels, or deliberately spinning your tires all qualify at any speed.
What Are the New Penalties?
If you are pulled over for stunt driving or racing, the police will charge you with immediate administrative penalties at the roadside:
- Licence suspension: 30 days at the roadside, up from 7 days before the MOMS Act.
- Vehicle impoundment: 14 days, up from 7, and the impoundment applies even if the vehicle isn’t yours (borrowed, leased, or a rental).
Read More: Stunt Driving Charges & Penalties in Ontario
What Does it Mean for Your Car Insurance?
For most drivers, 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.
Once a conviction is on your driving record, you may be classified as a high-risk driver by some insurers, leading to higher rates or outright denial of coverage.
For a sense of scale, here’s what kind of premium increases you can expect in Ontario based on an average premium:
| Driver profile | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Clean record | $2,132 |
| At least one ticket | $2,581 |
| At least one at-fault accident | $4,178 |
| At least one licence suspension | $4,833 |