SGI is introducing new and tougher penalties aimed at deterring drivers from stunting and street racing, which will come into effect Oct. 1 in Saskatchewan.
The cost of a ticket for stunting in a motor vehicle will now be $580 plus four demerit points. Previously, the cost for stunting was $150.
Tickets for street racing have also been increased to $580, up from $205. For repeat offences within a one-year period, the guilty party can expect a ticket for $1,400 for a second offence and $2,100 for a third. All offences also include four demerit points.
“Reckless and unsafe driving behaviours like street racing and stunting are a growing concern,” said Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Don Morgan. “These risky choices can have serious and often life-threatening consequences, and the penalties need to appropriately address them.”
The second phase of the legislation change, which will take effect at a later date, will implement both 30-day vehicle impoundments and immediate seven-day licence suspensions for stunting, racing and exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h or by more than double the posted limit.
“(The increase) reflects the seriousness of the offenses,” SGI manager of media relations Tyler McMurchy said. “Obviously, street racing is not something that is a safe activity for people on public roads. Both the people who are engaged in it and the other road users are put at risk.”
Racing can be defined as:
- Racing side by side with another vehicle while disobeying the speed limit
- Chasing another vehicle
- Speeding in and out of lanes to unsafely pass vehicles
- Driving at a speed that is a marked departure from the speed limit.
Stunting can be defined as:
- Attempting to lift some or all tires from the roadway (including driving a motorcycle on one wheel)
- Attempting to spin a vehicle to cause it to spin or circle
- Driving a vehicle while not sitting in the driver’s seat
- Driving in the oncoming lane longer than is needed to pass
- Driving a vehicle in a way that prevents another vehicle from passing
- Stopping or slowing down to interfere with the movement of another vehicle