Our government is committed to protecting Ontarians from individuals who choose to engage in street racing, driving contests or driving stunts. Changes to the law went into effect on September 30, 2007. Drivers who are involved in street racing or aggressive driving behaviours can face tough sanctions:

• An immediate seven-day licence suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment at roadside when a police officer has reasonable and probable grounds to believe the offence was committed.

If convicted:

• Fines from $2,000 to $10,000;
• Courts can impose a driver licence suspension of up to 10 years for a second conviction within 10 years;
• The accumulation of six demerit points, a maximum licence suspension of two years for a first conviction and a maximum 6 months in jail.

The use of a connected nitrous oxide system while driving on a highway is prohibited and the definition of a "stunt" includes speeding at 50 km/h or more above the posted limit.

The risk of a fatality or serious injury is almost five 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. The increase in risk is even greater on roads with lower posted limits. For example, on roads with a posted limit of 60 km/h or less, the risk of a fatality or serious injury is almost eight times greater for vehicles colliding at 50 km/h or more above the posted limit.

Other dangerous behaviours are also now defined as stunts: driving in such a way that prevents another vehicle from passing, intentionally cutting off another vehicle, or intentionally driving too close to another vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object.

For information on the regulation, you can visit the following website http://www.search.elaws.gov.on.ca/en and search under current consolidated law for Highway Traffic Act - O. Reg. 339/94