Understanding how long a stunt driving conviction remains on your record is crucial for planning your future and understanding the long-term consequences of these serious charges. At OTD Legal’s stunt driving practice, we help clients understand these implications and work to minimize their impact.
How Long It Stays on Your Driving Record
A stunt driving conviction creates a permanent mark on your driving record that affects various aspects of your life for years to come. The duration and impact of this record depends on several factors, including the specific nature of your conviction and your subsequent driving history.
In Ontario, stunt driving convictions remain visible on your driver’s abstract for a minimum of three years from the date of conviction. However, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) maintains comprehensive records that may be accessible for much longer periods, particularly for insurance companies and employers conducting background checks.
The visibility of your conviction affects:
- Insurance premium calculations
- Employment opportunities
- Professional licensing
- Travel to certain countries
- Future legal proceedings
Understanding these timeframes helps you plan appropriately and take steps to minimize the long-term impact of your conviction.
How Long It Can Affect Your Insurance
Insurance companies view stunt driving convictions as serious indicators of high-risk driving behavior. This perception significantly impacts your insurance premiums for an extended period, often exceeding the time the conviction remains visible on your standard driver’s abstract.
Insurance Impact Timeline
Most insurance companies consider stunt driving convictions when calculating premiums for three to six years following conviction. However, some insurers may consider these convictions for even longer periods, particularly when determining eligibility for preferred rates or coverage options.
The financial impact includes:
- Immediate premium increases (often 100% or more)
- Loss of good driver discounts
- Potential policy cancellation
- Difficulty finding new coverage
- Higher deductibles and reduced coverage options
What Role Demerit Points Play
Stunt driving convictions carry six demerit points, which remain on your record for two years from the date of conviction. While the demerit points themselves expire after two years, the underlying conviction remains visible for much longer.
Demerit Point Consequences
The six demerit points from stunt driving can quickly push drivers toward licence suspension thresholds.
Suspension Triggers:
- 15 points for fully licenced drivers
- 9 points for novice drivers
- 6 points for new drivers in some circumstances
Additional point accumulation from other violations during this period can result in immediate licence suspension, compounding the consequences of your stunt driving conviction.
What Influences the Length of Time It Stays
Several factors influence how long a stunt driving conviction affects your record and daily life. Understanding these variables helps you make informed decisions about your case and future planning.
Conviction vs. Charge Outcome
The outcome of your case significantly impacts long-term consequences. As explained in our article about 5 things most people don’t know about stunt driving, fighting your charges can make a substantial difference.
Possible Outcomes:
- Full conviction with maximum penalties
- Reduced charges with lesser consequences
- Plea agreements with modified penalties
- Complete dismissal of charges
- Withdrawn charges
What Happens After a Stunt Driving Conviction
Licence Suspension Periods
Stunt driving convictions result in mandatory licence suspensions that vary based on your driving history and the specific circumstances of your case.
Suspension Timeline:
- First offence: 1-3 years
- Second offence: 3-10 years
- Third offence: Indefinite suspension
- Fourth offence: Lifetime driver’s licence suspension
These suspensions are separate from the immediate roadside suspension you face when charged, creating multiple layers of consequences that affect your driving privileges.
Is It Considered a Criminal Record?
Stunt driving is prosecuted under the Highway Traffic Act, not the Criminal Code, which means it doesn’t create a criminal record in the traditional sense. However, this distinction doesn’t eliminate all consequences, as many organizations and countries treat serious traffic violations similarly to criminal offences.
Background Check Implications
While not technically criminal, stunt driving convictions may appear on:
- Enhanced background checks
- Vulnerable sector screenings
- Professional licensing reviews
- Border crossing investigations
- Employment verification processes
Understanding the difference between reckless, careless, and stunt driving helps clarify the specific implications of each type of conviction.
How Stunt Driving Is Tracked and Recorded
How the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Handles It
The MTO maintains comprehensive records of all traffic convictions, including detailed information about stunt driving cases. These records include conviction dates, penalties imposed, and compliance with court orders.
MTO Record Keeping:
- Permanent conviction records
- Demerit point tracking
- Licence suspension history
- Reinstatement compliance
- Payment of fines and fees
When and How Your Driver’s Abstract Is Updated
Your driver’s abstract updates shortly after conviction, typically within 7 days of the court’s decision. This update triggers various consequences, including insurance implications and potential employment impacts.
How Stunt Driving Affects Your Insurance
How Insurance Companies View It
Insurance companies classify stunt driving as one of the most serious traffic violations, often treating it similarly to impaired driving convictions. This classification results in significant premium increases and potential coverage restrictions.
How Long It Can Raise Your Premiums
Premium increases typically last three to six years, but some insurers may consider stunt driving convictions for up to ten years when determining rates and coverage eligibility.
Long-term Insurance Effects:
- Immediate rate increases
- Loss of discounts
- Policy restrictions
- Coverage limitations
- Difficulty changing insurers
Can You Remove or Reduce a Stunt Driving Charge?
Legal Options to Fight the Charge
Fighting stunt driving charges before conviction offers the best opportunity to minimize long-term consequences.
Defence Strategies:
- Challenging evidence validity
- Questioning procedural compliance
- Negotiating reduced charges
- Presenting mitigating circumstances
- Exploring constitutional defences
Post-Conviction Options
While options are limited after conviction, some possibilities may exist depending on your specific circumstances.
These include:
- Appeal processes due to a legal error
Legal Support in Ontario
Professional legal representation significantly improves your chances of minimizing the long-term impact of stunt driving charges. Visit our locations page to find experienced representation near you.
Early intervention provides the best opportunity to:
- Avoid conviction entirely
- Negotiate reduced charges
- Minimize penalties
- Protect your driving record
- Preserve your future opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a pardon for a stunt driving conviction?
Since stunt driving isn’t a criminal offence, traditional pardons don’t apply. However, other options may be available depending on your circumstances.
Will a stunt driving conviction affect my ability to travel to the United States?
While not criminal, serious traffic violations can sometimes affect border crossings. Consult with immigration experts for specific guidance.
How long before I can get preferred insurance rates again?
Most insurers require 3-6 years of clean driving following conviction before considering preferred rates, though this varies by company.
Get Professional Help
Don’t let a stunt driving charge define your future. Contact OTD Legal for experienced representation that can help minimize the long-term impact on your record and your life.
