What Are The Penalties In The New Street Racing Law?

It’s the day those with a need for speed and a hot engine have long dreaded.

But that same day is one that victims of street racers have been praying for.

It’s here for both, now that the federal government has officially tabled its bill, which attempts to makes the practice of racing down the roads a part of the Criminal Code.

What exactly do the new rules propose? Here’s a look at the range of charges offenders face now and if the law is passed:

Dangerous Driving – No bodily harm or death:

Now: Summary conviction or imprisonment up to five years

After: the same

(A summary conviction is reserved for the least serious offences in the Criminal Code. In general, it means a fine of up to $2,000 or six months in jail – or both.)

Dangerous Driving causing Bodily Harm

Now: Up to 10 years in prison

After: Up to 14   years in prison

 

Dangerous Driving causing Death:

Now: Up to 14 years in prison.

After: Potential for lifetime imprisonment

 

Criminal Negligence causing Bodily Harm:

Now: Up to 10 years in prison.

After: Up to 14 years in prison.

 

Criminal Negligence causing Death:

Now: Maximum punishment of life in prison

After: same.

 

What happens to your license if you get caught? Here’s the rundown:

 

First Street Racing Conviction

Dangerous Driving – No Bodily Harm or Death: 1 to 3 years

Dangerous Driving causing Bodily Harm: 1 to 10 years

Dangerous Driving causing Death:   1 to 10 years

Criminal Negligence causing Bodily Harm: 1 to 10 years

Criminal Negligence causing Death: 1 year to life

 

Second Street Racing Conviction:

Dangerous Driving – No Bodily Harm or Death: 2 to 5 years

Dangerous Driving causing Bodily Harm: 2 to 10 years

Dangerous Driving causing Death:   Lifetime ban

 (Applies only if an offender has two convictions where someone was injured or killed as a result of street racing, and at least one of these offences caused a death .)

Criminal Negligence causing Bodily Harm: 2 to 10 years

Criminal Negligence causing Death: Lifetime ban

(Applies only if an offender has two convictions where someone was injured or killed as a result of street racing, and at least one of these offences caused a death .)

 

All subsequent street racing convictions:

Dangerous Driving – No Bodily Harm or Death: 3 years to life

Dangerous Driving causing Bodily Harm: 3 years to life.

Dangerous Driving causing Death:   Lifetime ban

(Applies only if an offender has three or more convictions where someone was injured or killed as a result of street racing, and at least one of these offences caused a death .)

Criminal Negligence causing Bodily Harm: 3 years   to life

Criminal Negligence causing Death: Lifetime ban

(Applies only if an offender has three or more convictions where someone was injured or killed as a result of street racing, and at least one of these offences caused a death .)

Source: Ministry of Justice