The Toughest Speeding Law in Canada and US
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| Ontario stunt-driving law unconstitutional September 9, 2009 Stunt driving law ruled unconstitutional since it exponses speeders to possible jail time, without the ability to defend themselves. |
50 Over Speeding Quick Facts
5,000 charged in 2009 by May 18.8,459 charged in first year
23 charged daily!
41% convicted on the charge
39% have charges reduced
36 drivers have been caught twice
Click image to see YouTube Video on the introduction of this legislation by Dalton McGuinty.
In September 2007, a new law punishing drivers caught speeding 50 km/h over the posted limit was introduced throughout Ontario. The law was created to curb the on-going threat of street racing. In the first month, more than 1,300 drivers were caught breaking the new law.
May 19, 2009, 115 pulled over during the 2-4 Victoria Day weekend. 5,000 so far in 2009.
Currently, nearly 1 driver per hour is pulled over for speeding 50 km/h over the posted speed limit daily. On holiday weekends, including Victoria Day, and the August Long Weekend, the OPP pulls over nearly 50 people for this offense.
The new law carries stiffest penalties of any speeding ticket in the United States, or Canada. Penalties for driving 50 km/h over the speed limit include, a $2,000 - $10,000 fine, roadside vehicle seizure, and driver's licence suspension for 1 week, and 6 demerit points.
See our penalties page for full details of what you'll face if you are charged with this offence.
Roadside Vehicle Seizure
If you're caught driving 50 km/h over the speed limit, your vehicle will be impounded on the spot! You'll be responsible for getting home, and for expensive towing and vehicle storage fees that could be $500 or more, in addition to the already hefty fines.
Who Get's Caught
Perhaps not surpisingly, of those convicted of this offense, 80% are male, and 50% are age 27 or under. Young male drivers can be very impulsive and feel like they won't be caught. Even with this law on the books for quite a while, these drivers are just not getting the message to slow down.