Can Getting Charged with Stunt Driving Cost You Your Job in Ontario?
- ttasca499
- Aug 4
- 6 min read
In Ontario, a stunt driving ticket doesn’t just mean hefty fines and license suspensions—it can also raise serious questions about your employment status. Whether you’re a commercial driver, a schoolteacher, or a corporate professional, the ripple effects of off-duty conduct can catch up with you at work.
But does a stunt driving charge automatically put your job on the line? The answer depends on several factors, including the nature of your role, the terms of your employment contract, and how your actions are perceived in relation to your employer’s reputation and workplace policies. This article explores the nuanced relationship between off-duty behavior and employment consequences, particularly through the lens of Ontario’s employment laws.
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Understanding Stunt Driving in Ontario
Under the Highway Traffic Act, stunt driving in Ontario encompasses more than just speeding excessively (50 km/h or more above the limit). It includes activities like performing burnouts, racing, or even preventing another vehicle from passing. A stunt driving ticket triggers immediate penalties: a 14-day vehicle impoundment, 30-day license suspension at roadside, and—if convicted—fines up to $10,000, possible jail time, and a mandatory license suspension of up to two years for a first offense.
While these are serious consequences in their own right, the legal troubles don’t necessarily stop there—especially if your job or professional reputation is at stake.
Off-Duty Conduct and Employment Law in Ontario
In general, what you do outside of work is your business—until it isn’t. Ontario employment law acknowledges a key distinction between private and professional lives, but there are exceptions where off-duty conduct becomes relevant.
Employers may be justified in disciplining or even terminating an employee for off-duty actions if they can demonstrate one or more of the following:
The conduct harms the employer’s reputation
It renders the employee unable to perform their duties
It leads to a breakdown in the employment relationship
It violates a code of conduct or contract clause
This means that not every stunt driving charge will result in job loss—but it can, especially when linked to a breach of trust, safety concerns, or damage to the employer’s image.
When a Stunt Driving Charge Could Affect Your Job
1. You Drive for a Living
If you're a commercial driver, delivery worker, or anyone whose job duties involve operating a vehicle, a stunt driving charge is a direct threat to your livelihood. Losing your license—even temporarily—may make you unable to fulfill the core responsibilities of your role. In this case, your employer may be legally justified in suspending or terminating you.
2. You're in a Position of Public Trust
Public-facing roles—teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement officers—are held to a higher standard. If news of your stunt driving charge becomes public, it could affect how your employer is perceived, potentially triggering a reputational risk assessment. While you may not be fired immediately, a workplace investigation or administrative leave may follow.
3. You Signed a Morality or Conduct Clause
Many employment contracts and workplace policies include clauses about off-duty conduct, particularly in industries like finance, education, and government. If your employer believes the charge violates such a clause—even indirectly—they may have grounds for discipline or termination.
When You May Be Protected from Termination
Ontario law does provide employees with certain protections. An employer cannot terminate you without cause and avoid severance obligations unless they can prove that your conduct meets the legal standard for "just cause"—a high threshold.
Even then, courts in Ontario are cautious. A single charge (not a conviction) may not be enough to justify dismissal unless it's tightly linked to the employment context. Employers are expected to investigate thoroughly and consider less severe disciplinary measures before resorting to termination.
If you’re a unionized employee, you may also benefit from additional protection through collective bargaining agreements and grievance processes.
Key Legal Concepts to Understand
Constructive Dismissal
If your employer demotes you, cuts your pay, or changes your role after the charge without formally firing you, this may qualify as constructive dismissal under Ontario law. You could be entitled to compensation.
Human Rights and Privacy
Employers cannot discipline employees based on discriminatory grounds (e.g., race, disability, or age), nor can they invade your privacy without reason. Any action taken must be consistent with privacy and anti-discrimination legislation.
In Ontario, discrimination based on a "record of offences" in employment is prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code. This protection applies to convictions for which a pardon has been granted (now known as a record suspension) or for offences under provincial law. Employers can consider unpardoned federal convictions (like those under the Criminal Code) if they can demonstrate it's a bona fide occupational requirement, meaning the conviction is directly relevant to the job and poses a genuine risk.
What You Should Do If You’re Charged
Speak with a Criminal Defence Lawyer A lawyer can help you understand the legal consequences of your stunt driving ticket, explore possible defenses, and represent you in court to reduce penalties—or avoid conviction altogether.
Review Your Employment Contract Look for conduct clauses, driving requirements, and any language about off-duty behavior. Understanding your rights and obligations is critical.
Consult an Employment Lawyer If you’re facing disciplinary action or suspect your job may be at risk, get legal advice early. Employment lawyers in Ontario can help you evaluate whether your employer is acting within their rights and, if necessary, prepare a wrongful dismissal claim.
A Real-World Scenario
Imagine you’re a sales rep with a company car. One night, you’re pulled over and charged with stunt driving for going 52 km/h over the limit. Your license is suspended on the spot, and your vehicle is impounded. When your manager finds out, they place you on unpaid leave and begin a review of your conduct.
In this case, your employer could argue that you are temporarily unable to fulfill your job duties (driving), and if the contract includes a clause about safe driving or maintaining a valid license, they may justify dismissal. However, if the role can be temporarily reassigned or accommodations can be made, immediate termination may be seen as excessive—and could be challenged legally.
Final Thoughts
Off-duty behavior like stunt driving may seem like a personal mistake, but in certain employment settings, it can have professional consequences. Whether your job is directly affected depends on your role, your contract, and how your employer responds.
In Ontario, employees are not without recourse. If you're facing disciplinary action or dismissal after a stunt driving charge, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and seek guidance from qualified professionals.
If you experience disability discrimination, discrimination based on records of offences, drug addiction, off duty conducts, or you have been terminated wrongfully or constructively dismissed due to toxic working environment, or that you experienced chronic or traumatic mental stress due to workplace harassment or workplace discrimination, you should consults with a disability lawyer or you risk waiving your legal rights under Common law, the Human Rights Code or your rights in suing for wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal or workplace discrimination.
With the right legal support, employees can navigate the challenges of unfair practices and work towards a more equitable and respectful work environment.
You don't have to fight the battle alone. Speaking with a disability lawyer who is familiar with the laws and intricacies regarding disability discrimination will go a long way. If you need help, it's essential that you act before it is already too late.
Click here to contact HTW Law - Employment Lawyer for assistance and legal consultation.
Author Bio:
TTASCA499 is a freelance writer with a passion on writing articles on various topics that touches upon traffic tickets and driving.
