Ontario Provincial Police say a 23-year-old woman is facing multiple charges after officers stopped her vehicle for speeding on Labour Day and discovered she was driving while suspended. OPP said the incident began on Highway 130 near Thunder Bay on Sept. 7, when a cruiser’s licence plate reader flagged the driver as suspended. The officer then observed the vehicle travelling 51 km/h over the posted limit before completing a traffic stop in Oliver Paipoonge on King George Park Drive. Two separate suspensions As part of the investigation, OPP Const. Tom Armstrong said he learned the driver was suspended for two distinct reasons – one for remedial measures and another for a prior conviction for driving under suspension. “This driver, myriad of issues here and all very, very concerning,” Armstrong said in a social media video. “Just another very, very serious example of total disregard for any of the rules of the road and the penalties imposed by the courts.” Stunt driving and impoundment Under Ontario law, stunt driving includes driving 40 km/h or more over the limit on roads with a posted limit under 80 km/h, 50 km/h or more over on roads with limits of 80 km/h or more and travelling more than 150 km/h on any roadway. The offence also covers dangerous behaviours such as racing and intentionally cutting off other vehicles. The motorist in this incident was charged with driving while under suspension, speeding and stunt driving. Armstrong said the vehicle was to be impounded for 14 days due to the stunt-driving infraction, noting it would have only been seven for driving while under suspension. The woman was issued a provincial offences notice and assigned a future court date. “There’ll be some fairly hefty consequences to pay for this,” Armstrong said. Court-imposed penalties upon conviction can include a fine of up to $10,000, a licence suspension of up to three years and up to six months in jail. First-time offenders face a minimum fine of $2,000, along with six demerit points, higher insurance costs and a mandatory driver improvement course. “Speeding doesn’t just break the law, it puts lives at risk,” said OPP in a social media post accompanying the video.
