Police in North Bay, Ontario, have laid a serious charge following an alarming incident of excessive speeding in a designated safe area. A driver now faces a stunt driving allegation after their vehicle was clocked travelling more than double the posted limit.
Dramatic Speed Discrepancy in Safety Zone
According to the North Bay Police Service, the incident involved a vehicle that was timed at 95 kilometres per hour. The location of the infraction is particularly concerning: it occurred within a community safety zone where the enforceable speed limit is only 40 km/h. This means the driver was allegedly travelling at a speed 137% over the legal limit in an area specifically designated for enhanced protection of pedestrians and residents.
Legal Ramifications of a Stunt Driving Charge
The charge of stunt driving under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act is not a minor traffic ticket. It carries severe immediate and long-term consequences. Upon a conviction, penalties can include:
- A mandatory license suspension.
- Significant fines.
- The vehicle being impounded for a period of time.
- Increased insurance costs for years.
The charge underscores the police's low tolerance for behaviour that puts public safety at extreme risk, especially in zones marked for community protection.
Community Safety Zones: A Priority for Enforcement
Community safety zones are established in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as near schools, parks, and residential neighbourhoods. Speeding fines are typically doubled in these zones to act as a stronger deterrent. The alleged actions of this driver represent a flagrant disregard for this protective measure. The North Bay police have not released the exact street location or the identity of the accused, as the matter is now before the courts. The charge was announced on January 5, 2026.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to all drivers in Northern Ontario and across the province about the critical importance of observing speed limits, particularly in areas designed to safeguard vulnerable road users. Enforcement of traffic laws in community safety zones remains a key priority for police services aiming to prevent tragic outcomes.
