Ontario Speeding Fines 2026 + Hwy 400 110 km/h Expansion + Stunt Driving Penalties

Ontario highway with 110 km/h speed limit sign
Ontario's Highway 400 now has 110 km/h speed limits on sections from Hwy 401 to Lake Joseph Road. Photo: Honda Canada.

Ontario's 2025 highway speed limit expansion — Highway 400 from Hwy 401 to Lake Joseph Road, plus sections of the 401, 402, 416, 7, 115, and 417 — moved the limit to 110 km/h on hundreds of kilometres of GTA-area highway. But the stunt driving threshold did NOT move with it: 150 km/h is still the absolute stunt threshold anywhere in the province, including the new 110 km/h sections. Here is the 2026 Schedule 43 fine structure, the stunt driving penalties (30-day roadside suspension + 14-day impoundment + $2,000-$10,000 fine), the construction zone doubled-fine rules, and what every GTA Honda owner needs to know about Highway 400/401 enforcement.

1. The 2025-2026 Ontario highway speed limit expansion

In 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation raised the speed limit from 100 km/h to 110 km/h on hundreds of kilometres of provincial highway, primarily in the GTA, southern Ontario, and Highway 400 north to cottage country. The expansion was rolled out in phases:

The government explicitly stated that the speed limit increase would NOT raise the stunt driving threshold. 50 km/h over the posted limit (so 150 km/h in a 100 km/h zone or 160 km/h in a 110 km/h zone) and the absolute 150 km/h cap both remain in force.

2. Schedule 43 speeding fines (2026)

Ontario's speeding fines are calculated per kilometre per hour over the posted limit, per Schedule 43 of the Highway Traffic Act (last updated January 22, 2026). The base fine tiers are:

Ontario speeding fine tiers (HTA s.128, Schedule 43, 2026)
Speed over limitFine per km/h overDemerit pointsOut-of-court?
1-15 km/h$2.500Yes
16-19 km/h$2.503Yes
20-29 km/h$3.753Yes
30-49 km/h$6.004Yes
50+ km/h (stunt driving)$9.75 (minimum)6No - court appearance required

Total cost calculation: the per-km/h fine is the BASE fine. The total amount on your ticket includes a 25% victim fine surcharge and a $5 court cost. Example: 25 km/h over a 100 km/h highway limit = $3.75 x 25 = $93.75 base, plus 25% surcharge = $117.19, plus $5 court cost = $122.19 total.

3. Construction zone and Community Safety Zone — doubled fines

Speeding in a designated construction zone (with workers present) or a Community Safety Zone in Ontario doubles the per-km/h fine. The doubled tiers are:

Construction zone / Community Safety Zone fines (DOUBLED)
Speed over limitFine per km/h overDemerit points
1-15 km/h$5.000
16-19 km/h$5.003
20-29 km/h$7.503
30-49 km/h$12.004
50+ km/h (stunt driving)No out-of-court6

Demerit points are NOT doubled in construction zones. The doubled fine is the Ontario government's response to construction worker deaths from speeding vehicles in work zones. Community Safety Zones (typically around schools, hospitals, and high-pedestrian areas) carry the same doubled fines. Look for the black-and-white "Community Safety Zone" sign or the orange "Construction Zone" sign with the posted speed limit.

4. Demerit points and licence suspension

Demerit points for speeding:

Licence suspension thresholds:

For stunt driving, the 6 demerit points are added to your record but the immediate 30-day roadside suspension is in addition to the demerit point suspension. A novice driver who gets a stunt driving charge faces both the 30-day roadside suspension AND the demerit point suspension (30 days for G1/G2, 60 days for G2 with 9+ points).

5. Stunt driving — the 3 thresholds

Ontario's stunt driving charge (HTA s.172) has three thresholds. You cross into stunt driving territory if you meet ANY of them:

  1. 40+ km/h over in zones posted below 80 km/h (residential streets, school zones, urban roads). Example: 90 km/h in a 50 km/h school zone = 40 km/h over = stunt driving.
  2. 50+ km/h over in zones posted 80 km/h or higher (most roads, all highways). Example: 160 km/h in a 110 km/h zone = 50 km/h over = stunt driving.
  3. 150 km/h or faster anywhere in the province (the absolute threshold). Example: 155 km/h in a 100 km/h zone = automatic stunt driving regardless of how far over the limit you are.

Other behaviours that trigger stunt driving (HTA s.172 + O. Reg. 455/07):

6. Stunt driving penalties — roadside and post-conviction

Stunt driving has TWO stages of penalties: the immediate roadside consequences and the post-conviction court penalties.

Roadside consequences (immediate, before court)

Post-conviction penalties (after court)

7. Insurance surcharge — the hidden cost

The court fine is not the most expensive consequence of a stunt driving conviction. The insurance surcharge is. Most Ontario insurers treat stunt driving as a major conviction, on par with careless driving and criminal-code driving offences.

Insurance surcharge for Ontario speeding convictions
ConvictionPremium increaseOn a $1,500/year policySurcharge duration
Minor (under 30 km/h over)5-15%$75-$225/year3 years
Major (30-49 km/h over)15-25%$225-$375/year3-6 years
Stunt driving (50+ over)100-150%$1,500-$2,250/year6+ years

Quick math: a single stunt driving conviction on a $1,500/year policy = $1,500-$2,250/year extra for 6 years = $9,000-$13,500 in extra insurance. Compared to the $2,000-$10,000 court fine, the insurance surcharge is 5-10x more expensive over 6 years.

8. The 110 km/h enforcement blitzes on Highway 400

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have increased enforcement on the new 110 km/h sections, particularly Highway 400 north of Toronto. Common blitzes:

The Highway 400 corridor between Vaughan and Barrie is the highest-risk for GTA Honda owners — it is the main route to cottage country and a 30-km stretch at 110 km/h can be covered in under 20 minutes, which makes it tempting to set the cruise control at 130-140 km/h. Resist the temptation: at 140 km/h in a 110 km/h zone, you are only 30 km/h over (3 demerit points, $108 + surcharge), but a momentary glance at the speedometer can push you over 160 km/h (stunt driving territory, 6 demerit points, $2,000+ fine).

9. What to do if you get a speeding ticket in Ontario

The first 15 days after receiving the ticket are critical. You have three options:

  1. Pay the fine (out of court). For tickets under 50 km/h over, paying the fine is a conviction. Demerit points are added to your record. Insurance surcharge applies at renewal. This is the simplest option but the most expensive long-term.
  2. Request an early resolution meeting with the prosecutor. For 30-49 km/h over tickets, the prosecutor will often offer a reduction to a lower tier (e.g., 35 km/h over reduced to 19 km/h over) to eliminate demerit points. You typically need to attend a 15-minute meeting at the Provincial Offences Court. No fee, no obligation to accept the deal.
  3. Request a trial. For all tickets, you can plead not guilty and have a trial. You will need to disclose the evidence the officer has against you, prepare your defence, and attend the trial. Hire a traffic paralegal ($300-$800 flat fee) for 30+ km/h over or stunt driving tickets. Success rates at trial: 5-15% for 30+ km/h over; 60-90% reduction at early resolution.

For stunt driving tickets, you MUST go to court. There is no out-of-court settlement. The early resolution process is still available — the prosecutor may offer to reduce the stunt driving charge to a regular speeding ticket, but only if there are mitigating circumstances (e.g., emergency situation, clean record, marginal speed). Hire a traffic paralegal or lawyer for stunt driving tickets.

10. Fighting a speeding ticket — common defences

If you choose to fight a speeding ticket at trial, common defences include:

Defences are most successful for tickets in the 20-49 km/h over range. For stunt driving tickets, the prosecutor is less likely to drop the charge outright, but may offer a reduction to a 30-49 km/h over speeding conviction if you have a clean record and there are mitigating circumstances.

11. The 110 km/h sections of Highway 400 (GTA-specific)

For GTA Honda owners who use the 400-series highways, here are the specific 110 km/h sections of Highway 400:

Other GTA-area 110 km/h sections (2025-2026):

12. Henry's take — what I see at the dealer

In my experience at Maple Honda, the most common speeding-related conversation at the dealer is the trade-in customer who comes in with a fresh stunt driving conviction on their record. The conversation always goes the same way:

The Honda dealer perspective: most of our customers are not lead-foot drivers. The 400-series is busy enough that flow-of-traffic speeds are typically 110-120 km/h even in 100 km/h zones. The stunt driving charges tend to come from two groups: (1) young male drivers on a Friday night heading north to cottage country, and (2) commuters who set the cruise control at 130-140 km/h on a long 400-stretch and forget to slow down.

Honda Sensing helps with the second group: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) maintains the set speed precisely, and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) keeps you centred in your lane. But ACC does not prevent you from setting a speed over the limit — you still have to follow the rules. If you set ACC to 130 km/h in a 100 km/h zone, ACC will happily hold 130 km/h all the way to Barrie.

The safe play on the new 110 km/h sections: set your cruise control at 115-120 km/h. That gives you a 5-10 km/h buffer below the limit, accounts for speedometer variance, and keeps you well clear of the 150 km/h absolute stunt threshold. The 4-5 minutes you save on a 100 km trip by going 130 vs 115 is not worth the $13,000+ total cost of a stunt driving conviction.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a speeding ticket in Ontario in 2026?

Ontario speeding fines are calculated per km/h over the posted limit, per Schedule 43 of the Highway Traffic Act (last updated January 22, 2026). The base fine tiers are: 1-15 km/h over = $2.50/km/h, 0 demerit points. 16-19 km/h over = $2.50/km/h, 3 demerit points. 20-29 km/h over = $3.75/km/h, 3 demerit points. 30-49 km/h over = $6.00/km/h, 4 demerit points. 50+ km/h over = $9.75/km/h, 6 demerit points (stunt driving - no out-of-court settlement). Example: 25 km/h over a 100 km/h highway limit = $3.75 x 25 = $93.75 base, plus a 25% victim fine surcharge = $117.19 total.

What is the stunt driving threshold in Ontario?

Ontario's stunt driving threshold (HTA s.172) depends on the posted speed limit. On roads with a posted limit of 80 km/h or higher, you are charged with stunt driving if you drive 50 km/h or more over the limit. On roads with a posted limit below 80 km/h, you are charged with stunt driving if you drive 40 km/h or more over the limit. Anywhere in Ontario, driving 150 km/h or more is automatically stunt driving - even on the new 110 km/h highway sections. Stunt driving is a serious HTA offence with roadside licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, and a minimum $2,000 fine on conviction.

What is the fine for going 50 over the speed limit in Ontario?

Going 50 km/h or more over the speed limit in Ontario is a stunt driving charge (HTA s.172), not a regular speeding ticket. There is no out-of-court settlement for stunt driving. The fines and penalties are: $2,000 to $10,000 court fine on conviction, 6 demerit points, immediate 30-day roadside licence suspension, immediate 14-day vehicle impoundment at roadside (you pay the tow and storage fees, typically $1,000-$2,500), post-conviction licence suspension of 1-3 years (1st offence), 3-10 years (2nd offence), lifetime reducible (3rd), lifetime non-reducible (4th), up to 6 months jail, and a mandatory driver improvement course. The 14-day impoundment happens at roadside even if you are not convicted - it is administrative, not punitive.

How many demerit points for 30 over the speed limit?

4 demerit points for 30-49 km/h over the speed limit in Ontario, per Schedule 43. The demerit point tiers are: 0-15 km/h over = 0 points, 16-19 km/h over = 3 points, 20-29 km/h over = 3 points, 30-49 km/h over = 4 points, 50+ km/h over = 6 points. If you reach 15 demerit points your licence is suspended for 3 months. For novice drivers (G1, G2, M1, M2), the demerit thresholds are lower - 9 points triggers a 30-day suspension for G2/M2 drivers, and 6 points triggers a 30-day suspension for G1/M1 drivers.

Does construction zone speeding double the fine in Ontario?

Yes. Speeding in a designated construction zone (with workers present) or a Community Safety Zone in Ontario doubles the fine. The doubled tiers are: 1-15 km/h over = $5.00/km/h, 16-19 km/h over = $5.00/km/h, 20-29 km/h over = $7.50/km/h, 30-49 km/h over = $12.00/km/h, 50+ km/h over = no out-of-court settlement. Demerit points are NOT doubled in construction zones - the same 0/3/3/4/6 tier applies. The doubled fine is the Ontario government's response to construction worker deaths from speeding vehicles in work zones.

Can I fight a speeding ticket in Ontario?

Yes, you can fight a speeding ticket in Ontario through the Provincial Offences Act. Two options: (1) Early resolution meeting with the prosecutor - you meet with the Crown prosecutor before the trial date and negotiate a reduced charge (e.g., 35 km/h over reduced to 19 km/h over to eliminate demerit points). The prosecutor will typically offer a reduction to a charge with no demerit points if you have a clean record. (2) Trial - you plead not guilty and present your defence at trial. Common defences: radar/LIDAR calibration, officer's visual estimation errors, speedometer accuracy, road conditions affecting the reading. Hire a licensed traffic paralegal ($300-$800 flat fee) for 30+ km/h over tickets; they have a 60-90% success rate at getting reductions.

How long does a speeding ticket affect my insurance in Ontario?

A speeding conviction typically affects your insurance for 3-6 years. Most Ontario insurers apply a surcharge of 5-15% for a single minor speeding ticket (under 30 km/h over), 15-25% for a 30-49 km/h over conviction, and 25-50% for a stunt driving conviction. The surcharge stays on your record for 3-6 years, even if you switch insurers (your record transfers between insurers via the FSRA Driver Abstract). Some insurers offer speeding ticket forgiveness - if you have not had a conviction in the past 3-5 years, your first minor ticket will not cause a surcharge. Stunt driving is NEVER forgiven - the surcharge is the same as a major conviction (careless driving, racing, criminal code driving offence). On a $1,500/year policy, a stunt driving conviction can add $375-$750 per year for 6 years = $2,250-$4,500 in extra insurance.

What is the difference between stunt driving and street racing in Ontario?

Stunt driving and street racing are the same charge under HTA s.172, but the wording on the ticket may differ. Stunt driving covers excessive speed, weaving, tailgating, and other aggressive behaviours defined in O. Reg. 455/07. Street racing typically refers to two or more vehicles racing each other, also covered under s.172. The penalties are identical regardless of which label appears on the ticket. A 'street racing' charge often comes with harsher insurance consequences because the insurer sees it as a deliberate violation, but legally the two are treated the same. Both trigger the 30-day roadside suspension, 14-day impoundment, 6 demerit points, $2,000-$10,000 fine, and 1-3 year post-conviction suspension (1st offence).

What happens if I get caught at 160 km/h in Ontario?

Driving 160 km/h anywhere in Ontario is an automatic stunt driving charge under the 150 km/h absolute threshold rule, even on the new 110 km/h highway sections. At 160 km/h, you are 60 km/h over the 100 km/h limit (or 50 km/h over the 110 km/h limit) - well into stunt driving territory. Penalties: 30-day immediate roadside licence suspension, 14-day vehicle impoundment (you pay tow + storage fees of $1,000-$2,500), 6 demerit points, $2,000-$10,000 court fine, 1-3 year post-conviction licence suspension (1st offence), mandatory driver improvement course, and possible 6-month jail term. Your insurance will treat this as a major conviction with a 100-150%+ premium surcharge for 6+ years. If you have a previous stunt driving conviction, the post-conviction suspension is 3-10 years (2nd) or lifetime (3rd).

How long is the 14-day vehicle impoundment for stunt driving in Ontario?

The 14-day vehicle impoundment for stunt driving in Ontario is immediate at the roadside - the officer can order the vehicle towed from the scene. You pay the towing and storage fees, which typically run $1,000-$2,500 for the full 14 days (about $75-$125/day storage + $300-$500 tow fee). You cannot get the vehicle back during the 14-day impoundment, even temporarily - it is administrative, not punitive, so it applies even if you are ultimately found not guilty in court. The 14-day impoundment is in addition to the 30-day licence suspension, also roadside and immediate. Both happen before you see a courtroom. After the 14-day impoundment, the vehicle is released to the registered owner (or a designated driver with valid insurance).

Can I get my car back during the 14-day stunt driving impoundment?

No. The 14-day vehicle impoundment is administrative and runs from the moment the officer orders the tow. You cannot get the vehicle back early - not for medical emergencies, not for work, not to clear it of snow, not for any reason. The only exception is if the impoundment location is full or there is an error in the impoundment paperwork, in which case the impoundment may be voided (very rare). The 14-day impoundment happens in addition to the 30-day licence suspension. You pay all tow and storage fees upfront before the vehicle is released. If the registered owner is someone other than the driver, the owner can retrieve the vehicle after 14 days by showing proof of ownership and valid insurance.

What about out-of-province speeding tickets received while driving in Ontario?

If you are from Quebec, Manitoba, or any other Canadian province and receive a speeding ticket in Ontario, the Ontario ticket stays on your record in your home province. Under the Canadian Driver Licence Compact (an interprovincial agreement), all Canadian provinces share driving record information. Quebec is the only province that does NOT participate in the compact, so a Quebec driver's Ontario speeding ticket is not automatically transferred back to Quebec - but the driver can still be charged under Ontario law if they are stopped again in Ontario. US state speeding tickets are NOT automatically transferred to Ontario, but the Ontario Ministry of Transportation can suspend the licence of an Ontario driver who fails to pay a US ticket. New York State and Michigan have reciprocal agreements with Ontario for major HTA violations.

How do I pay an Ontario speeding ticket?

Three options: (1) Pay online at ontario.ca/page/pay-traffic-ticket using your ticket number and the court's online portal. (2) Pay by mail by sending a cheque or money order to the court address listed on the ticket. (3) Pay in person at the Provincial Offences Court listed on the ticket. Most Ontario courts accept payment by credit card, debit, cheque, or cash. You have 15 days from the date of the ticket to either pay the fine OR request a trial. If you do not respond within 15 days, you are deemed convicted and may face additional consequences (licence suspension, additional fines, warrant for arrest in extreme cases). For stunt driving tickets, you cannot pay out of court - you must appear in court or hire a paralegal.

Related from Henry

Sources: ontario.ca/page/speeding-and-aggressive-driving (official HTA s.128 + s.172 penalties); ontariocourts.ca/ocj/provincial-offences/set-fines/set-fines-i/schedule-43 (Schedule 43 fine tiers, last updated January 22, 2026); Highway Traffic Act s.128 (speeding) + s.172 (stunt driving); O. Reg. 455/07 (stunt driving behaviours); legalclarity.org (HTA penalty summary); nextlaw.ca (2026 excessive speed guide); trafficparalegalservices.com (stunt driving penalties); caasco.com (CAA South Central Ontario advocacy); globalnews.ca (110 km/h Highway 400 expansion coverage). Insurance surcharge estimates based on 2025-2026 Ontario broker averages. Last verified: July 1, 2026.