Police lay stunt-driving charges after two separate high-speed stops
Guelph police say two men were charged with stunt driving following separate traffic stops on Thursday that captured dangerously high speeds on two busy city routes.
Officers reported a 23-year-old man from Breslau was stopped on Woodlawn Road West after being recorded driving at 105 km/h in a posted 60 km/h zone. He faces multiple charges, including stunt driving, speeding, failing to stop for an emergency vehicle and failing to provide his licence. Police suspended his licence for 30 days and impounded the vehicle for 14 days.
Later the same day, a 19-year-old man from Arthur was stopped after being clocked at 134 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the Hanlon Parkway. According to the Guelph Police Service, he was already facing previous stunt-driving and dangerous-driving charges from a traffic stop last year. New charges from Thursday include speeding and stunt driving. His licence was suspended for 30 days and his vehicle was seized indefinitely.
"A stunt-driving conviction carries a minimum one-year licence suspension, $2,000 fine and six demerit points."
The incidents underline the enforcement measures police are using to curb excessive speed and risky driving behaviour in the city. Stunt-driving provisions in provincial law apply where a vehicle's speed or manner of operation demonstrates a marked departure from what a prudent driver would do, and they carry significant mandatory penalties upon conviction.
- Location and speeds: Woodlawn Road West — 105 km/h in a 60 km/h zone; Hanlon Parkway — 134 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
- Immediate administrative actions: both drivers received 30-day licence suspensions; one vehicle impounded for 14 days, the other seized indefinitely.
- Potential long-term penalties: minimum one-year licence suspension, $2,000 fine and six demerit points on a stunt-driving conviction.
Those who travel Woodlawn Road West and the Hanlon Parkway know both corridors carry a mix of commuter and commercial traffic and are frequented by local residents. The Guelph Police Service has in recent years focused traffic enforcement on corridors where speeding and aggressive driving raise the risk to cyclists, pedestrians and other motorists.
| Driver | Age / Hometown | Recorded speed | Posted limit | Immediate action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver 1 | 23, Breslau | 105 km/h | 60 km/h | Licence suspended 30 days; vehicle impounded 14 days |
| Driver 2 | 19, Arthur | 134 km/h | 80 km/h | Licence suspended 30 days; vehicle seized indefinitely |
Beyond the immediate administrative suspensions and seizures, a conviction for stunt driving under provincial rules would trigger a mandatory minimum penalty. That includes a minimum one-year licence suspension, a financial penalty and demerit points that affect insurance and driving records.
Police did not release further details about the investigations or whether any other charges are being considered. Road safety officials frequently advise that speeds well above posted limits reduce a driver’s ability to react and increase the severity of collisions. With the summer driving season still in effect, enforcement and public education remain key tools to reduce collisions and protect road users across Guelph.
