OPP clock vehicle at 147 km/h in 90 km/h zone on Highway 11-17

NIPIGON – REGIONAL NEWS: A 23-year-old Quebec man has been charged with stunt driving after being caught speeding 57 km/h over the posted limit near Nipigon, Ontario, over the weekend.

The incident occurred on Saturday, July 5, 2025, just before 11:00 a.m., when officers from the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting routine radar enforcement patrols on Highway 11-17 — a key transportation route in Northwestern Ontario.

147 km/h in a 90 Zone

Using a Lidar speed-measuring device, officers recorded a vehicle traveling at 147 km/h in a 90 km/h zone. A traffic stop was initiated without incident.

As a result, the male driver — who has not been publicly named — was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with:

• Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform Stunt – Excessive Speed

This charge is laid when a driver exceeds the speed limit by 50 km/h or more, and is considered a serious road safety offence in Ontario.

What is Lidar Radar?

Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) radar is a high-precision speed measurement technology used by law enforcement to detect and record the speed of moving vehicles. Unlike traditional radar systems that use radio waves,

Lidar emits rapid pulses of laser light that bounce off a vehicle and return to the device. By calculating the time it takes for the light to return, Lidar devices can determine a vehicle’s speed with extreme accuracy—often within one kilometre per hour.

Its narrow beam allows officers to target a specific vehicle, even in heavy traffic or from a distance, making it especially effective in urban or high-volume traffic environments.

Lidar is widely used by police services across Ontario, including the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), during traffic enforcement patrols.

It allows officers to capture not only the speed of the vehicle but also detailed information such as distance and movement patterns. Because of its accuracy and ability to isolate individual vehicles,

Lidar is considered a reliable tool in court when contesting speeding or stunt driving charges. Its precision supports safer roads by helping police hold high-risk drivers accountable through targeted enforcement.

Immediate Penalties Issued

In addition to the charge, the driver was issued automatic administrative penalties, including:

• 🚫 30-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS)

• 🚗 14-day vehicle impoundment

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon at a later date.

🚨 OPP Reinforces Road Safety Message

The OPP continues to emphasize the dangers of excessive speeding and aggressive driving, particularly on rural and high-speed highways in Northern Ontario.

“Our officers are committed to identifying and removing high-risk drivers from our roads,” said a spokesperson from the Nipigon OPP.
“Stunt driving endangers not only the driver but everyone else on the road. These laws exist to save lives.”

Motorists are reminded that if you observe dangerous or aggressive driving, you should call 9-1-1 immediately to report it.