Charged with Stunt Driving in a Parking Lot?

Stunt driving in parking lot areas is a serious traffic offense in Ontario, even though many drivers mistakenly believe these spaces are exempt from road rules. Under Ontario law, aggressive maneuvers, tire squealing, drifting, or excessive speed in a parking lot can lead to the same penalties as on a public road. Understanding how the law applies and what you can do if you're charged is crucial.

Can You Be Charged with Stunt Driving in a Parking Lot in Ontario?

Yes. In Ontario, parking lots that are "generally accessible to the public" are considered under the jurisdiction of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This includes most commercial lots such as plazas, malls, and big box store parking areas.

Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act and regulation 455/07 define stunt driving broadly and prohibit various dangerous activities regardless of whether they occur on a highway or in a public parking lot:

“No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway in a race or contest, on a bet or wager or while performing a stunt.”

Subsection 1.1 of the Ontario Regulation 455/07 further defines “stunt” as including actions such as:

• Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to cause some or all of its tires to lose traction with the surface of the highway while turning.
• Exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h where the limit is less than 80 km/h, or 50 km/h elsewhere
• Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to spin it or cause it to circle, without maintaining control over it.
• Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to lift some or all of its tires from the surface of the highway, including driving a motorcycle with only one wheel in contact with the ground...

Importantly, Ontario Regulation 455/07 under the Provincial Offences Act extends these rules to include parking lots.

Penalties for Stunt Driving in a Parking Lot

Here are the penalties for stunt driving in a parking lot in Ontario:

• Immediate roadside 30-day licence suspension
• 14-day vehicle impoundment (towed at owner’s expense)
• Fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000
• 6 demerit points
• Jail time up to 6 months
• Mandatory licence suspension if convicted

The penalties for stunt driving in parking lot areas are the same as those on public roads. A conviction can lead to significant insurance increases, often resulting in non-renewal or being forced into high-risk driver category.

Defenses to Stunt Driving in a Parking Lot

Fighting a stunt driving charge in a parking lot involves a careful analysis of the police evidence and the circumstances of the event. Common legal defenses include:

• Challenging validity of the charge — technical elements of the allegation must be present to prosecute this charge
• Challenging the officer’s observations — whether the act truly met the legal definition of a stunt
• Arguing due diligence — for example, accidental tire squealing in slippery conditions
• Video evidence or witness testimony — used to contradict or weaken the prosecution’s claims

Stunt driving is prosecuted under Part III of the Provincial Offences Act and requires a court appearance to address the allegation. Legal representation improves your chances defending this charge.

Get Legal Help for a Stunt Driving Charge in a Parking Lot

Being charged with stunt driving in a parking lot can feel unfair — especially if you didn’t realize such laws applied off the main road. At Traffic Law Paralegal Services, you will receive experienced, results-driven defense for Ontario drivers facing stunt charges.

The evidence is assessed and available legal defenses identified to challenge the charge and reduce or eliminate the consequences. Don’t go to court alone!

Learn more about defending stunt driving charges in Ontario.

If you've been charged with stunt driving in a parking lot, contact Traffic Law Paralegal Services for a free consultation. We can help you build a defense and protect your driving record.

Frequent questions about Stunt Driving in Parking Lots