by Driver Exceeded Speed Limit on Canadian Highway
Sometimes we all make less-than-ideal decisions behind the wheel, but not all mistakes are equal. In Canada, speeding that the state classifies as excessive can lead to serious penalties. And doing so with an open container of psychoactive substances only makes things worse.
A 70-year-old man is now learning this firsthand: his car has been impounded and his driver’s license temporarily suspended.
The Speeding Incident
The incident occurred on the morning of January 10th when Ontario Provincial Police officers noticed a vehicle traveling west of North Bay at a speed nearly double the posted limit. According to police, the driver, a 70-year-old man from Sturgeon Falls, was stopped without incident. At least he did not attempt to flee.
Situation Worsened by Cannabis
After the stop, the situation deteriorated for the driver. During the roadside interaction, officers also noticed an unsealed container with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) on the passenger seat, which constitutes a separate offense under Ontario laws. As a result, the driver was charged with stunt driving and with operating a vehicle with readily available cannabis.
Severe Penalties for Stunt Driving
Under Ontario’s strict stunt driving sanctions, police immediately suspended the driver’s license for 30 days and impounded the vehicle for 14 days. In Ontario, driving at a speed of 40 km/h or more above the posted limit, where the speed limit is over 80 km/h, is considered stunt driving, making this a clear violation.
Consequences and Court Proceedings
The driver has now been given a date to appear in traffic court. Interestingly, the situation he faces is harsher than one might expect, considering previous “stunt driving” cases. For example, in 2017, a group of rally drivers received similar charges and vehicle impoundments.
Multliple vehicles impounded for stunt driving on #Hwy400 in Barrie. #TakeItToATrack
7 day impound and 7 day license suspension
Their cars were a Porsche 911, an AMG, a GT-R, and a Lamborghini. However, they lost their licenses for only a week, and some got off with just a warning. Hopefully, it’s not too late for the elderly man in this story to learn a new rule: obey the speed limits.
This case is a reminder of how quickly a standard traffic stop can escalate into serious legal consequences, especially when multiple violations are combined. Ontario’s laws regarding stunt driving and cannabis transportation continue to be strictly enforced, regardless of the driver’s age. The comparison with past incidents shows a certain dynamic in penalty application, which may indicate a tightening of accountability in recent years. Road safety remains a priority, and stories like this serve as a warning to all road users.
