Thunder Bay Driver Charged with Stunt Driving for Excessive Speed on Highway 527

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THUNDER BAY, ON – June 4, 2025 — A Thunder Bay man is facing serious traffic-related charges after being caught driving nearly twice the speed limit on Highway 527.

At approximately 11:50 a.m. on June 3, 2025, an officer from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (T.I.M.E.) unit was conducting radar enforcement along Highway 527 in the Unincorporated Territory of Thunder Bay. The officer clocked a vehicle travelling at 155 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone, prompting an immediate traffic stop.

Following the investigation, the 58-year-old Thunder Bay driver was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with:

  • Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform Stunt – Excessive Speed

  • Speeding 50+ km/h over the posted limit

As a result of the charges, the individual’s driver’s licence has been suspended for 30 days, and the vehicle has been impounded for 14 days under Ontario’s strict stunt driving and street racing laws.

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 28, 2025.

Understanding Ontario’s Stunt Driving Law

Under Ontario law, driving 50 km/h or more over the posted speed limit qualifies as stunt driving — a serious offence introduced under Bill 172, the Moving Ontarians More Safely Act. Penalties include:

  • Immediate 30-day licence suspension

  • 14-day vehicle impoundment, even if the vehicle is not owned by the driver

  • A fine ranging from $2,000 to $10,000

  • Up to six demerit points

  • A potential jail term of up to six months

  • Long-term increases in insurance premiums, often resulting in classification as a high-risk driver

Public Safety First

The OPP emphasizes that aggressive, careless, or high-risk driving behaviours are a leading cause of serious and fatal collisions on Ontario’s highways. The T.I.M.E. unit operates as part of the OPP’s commitment to reducing such risks and ensuring road safety.

Anyone witnessing dangerous driving is encouraged to report it. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency incidents of aggressive or impaired driving, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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