New speeding rules in Ontario

[mrich12000]

:bolt :bolt Ont. to impose $10,000 fines for street racing
Neco Cockburn and Lee Greenberg, CanWest News Service
Published: Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Lead-foot drivers beware: if you're caught in Ontario driving 50 kilometres per hour or more above the speed limit, you will soon be treated like a street racer.
That means police can issue roadside seven-day licence suspensions and impound vehicles for a week. If convicted, you could face fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
The new regulation, announced by Premier Dalton McGuinty Wednesday, takes effect at the end of next month, and tweaks measures implemented earlier this year to target street racing and dangerous driving.
Excessive speeding will now be considered a driving "stunt."
"That means they'll face the extreme stiff penalty we apply to street racers," said McGuinty. "In short, you're looking at major cost and major inconvenience."
On average, there are about 2,500 convictions in Ontario per year for driving at 50 km/h or more above the speed limit, according to officials.
This summer, the province strengthened penalties for street racers and drunk drivers with its Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act. The legislation increased fines for convicted street racers up to $10,000 -- the highest street-racing fine in Canada.
The law, including the new regulation, takes effect Sept. 30.
There have been 39 deaths related to street racing in Ontario since 1999, according to government officials.
"The fact is, one death on our roads is one too many," said McGuinty.
Meanwhile, three constables will be added to OPP traffic management teams across the province. Queen's Park will also provide the OPP with $2 million for an aircraft that they will use to catch excessive speeders.
"When you're up in the air it's easy to spot them because you have this huge panorama and they just stick out right away," said Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter.
Tory MPP Christine Elliot said the announcement included "nothing really new."
"It's a regulation, something they should have dealt with a long time ago," she said.
But Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino praised the initiative.
"The addition of these new officers will help us make Ontario's highways safer by enabling us to clear crash scenes more quickly while safeguarding both officers and the public," he said. "By adding aerial traffic support we will be able to target aggressive drivers and street racers."
In July, the 2003 Champ Car World Series champ, Paul Tracy, spoke out against street racing.
"There's no prize in winning a drag race from stoplight to stoplight,"he said. "It might not happen the first time, but somewhere down the line there's going to be a lot of heartache."
And there has been.
-- Earlier this month, a head-on collision in Dartmouth, N.S., left two drivers dead and another man was killed in a drag-racing accident in Laval, Que.
-- RCMP are looking into a report four Ferraris and a Lamborghini were doing more than 200 kilometres an hour on highways in southern Alberta last week. Five drivers are being investigated for speeding and dangerous driving.
-- Police on Vancouver Island earlier this month stopped two street races in which drivers hurtled down the Trans-Canada and other highways at speeds of more than 150 kilometres per hour. Four drivers had their vehicles seized and licences suspended for 15 days. They were fined $483 for excessive speeding.
-- Last month in Ottawa, police laid 76 charges during an enforcement campaign aimed at street racing.


So what does your domain do about speeders?:bolt

[mrich12000]

:bolt :bolt :bolt

[klrobins]

...must be election time! He's suddenly so.... busy.

[Paul_F]

Ontario must be about the only jurisdiction in North America that has speed limits of 100 km/hr (62.5 mph) that are so unrealistic that virtually no one adheres to the limit, making law breakers out of most drivers on our 400 series highways. We are at the whim of any officer who wishes to give us tickets. High speeders and street racers are fair game for the cops but our speed limit is ridiculously too low. (Good thing no OPP airplane was tracking me last Sunday as I returned from Trenton on the 401.)

[jdmetzger]

Ontario must be about the only jurisdiction in North America that has speed limits of 100 km/hr (62.5 mph) that are so unrealistic that virtually no one adheres to the limit, making law breakers out of most drivers on our 400 series highways. We are at the whim of any officer who wishes to give us tickets. High speeders and street racers are fair game for the cops but our speed limit is ridiculously too low. (Good thing no OPP airplane was tracking me last Sunday as I returned from Trenton on the 401.)

Traveling hwy 17 around Superior (and on the roads between Wawa and Timmins), I felt 90kph was FAR too slow. I actually passed a cop as I was doing about 115kph in a 90kph zone. I was fairly sure I was going to get a ticket. He didn't even budge. I figured he was looking for people going even faster, or just decided with my full gear and duffel, I was safe enough to let go. :laugh Between Wawa and Timmins in the middle of nowhere I saw two cops; one looking to get someone speeding, and one with someone pulled over. I'm not sure how fast you have to go up there before they give you a ticket, but it seemed to me that they felt anything under 120kph was acceptable.

[Paul_F]

120 kph is acceptable most of the time, but there is always the uncertainty of what will be acceptable today for the particular officer who you meet on the road. Actually, at 120, there are points involved but at 114 there is a fine but no points. Most of the time I keep the bike and car at only 14 over the limit, being willing to pay a ticket if need be but with no points involved to mess up my insurance rates. I keep waiting for more realistic speed limits to not make me a law breaker when I travel.

[GlobalRider]

Wow, what a reaction to this subject on countless forums within the last 24 hours.

I don't seem to see what the issue is.

In one thread, they're in sorrow (you know, the usual RIP and condolences) over another dead motorcyclist that ran into the back of a Trans Am in rush hour traffic (how fast can one be going in rush hour traffic - I know the road as I've driven it at that time), then in another thread they're complaining about these new anti racing rules. Duhhhh!

We have two race tracks in the area, both within a short drive.

[GlobalRider]

I keep waiting for more realistic speed limits to not make me a law breaker when I travel.

You would need to change a few things:
- driver attitude (thats a big one)
- driver skill,
- the vehicle driven.

The regular "cruising" speed on the Autobahn is 190 km/hr (120 mph). I have yet to see an accident caused by speed over there. Yes, they have fatalities, but no more than here and considering the chances of surviving an accident diminish exponentially with every 20 mph over 60 mph, they're doing far better than we are.

[sachiwilson]

Wow, what a reaction to this subject on countless forums within the last 24 hours.

I don't seem to see what the issue is.

In one thread, they're in sorrow (you know, the usual RIP and condolences) over another dead motorcyclist that ran into the back of a Trans Am in rush hour traffic (how fast can one be going in rush hour traffic - I know the road as I've driven it at that time), then in another thread they're complaining about these new anti racing rules. Duhhhh!

We have two race tracks in the area, both within a short drive.

It's not necessarily the "50 over" that people are complaining about, it's the "50 over" tied to an unreasonably low base speed limit.

"Speed" isn't the problem. "Speed too fast for conditions" is the problem. It's not clear from the discussion that 50kmh over the speed limit in Ontario is worth that kind of penalty. To put it in perspective, 150 kmh is about 90 mph. The speed limits out here in the Southwest are often 75, and the roads are empty. People cruise at 85. Would 90 be "racing" in the desert southwest? Heck no! Remember the fuss when the national speed limit was 55? Same thing.

[GlobalRider]

It's not necessarily the "50 over" that people are complaining about, it's the "50 over" tied to an unreasonably low base speed limit.

Actually, its the wanna bee racers that are whining because no matter what you set the speed limit to...its not fast enough. They're still be breaking the 50 over even if the speed limit was set to 160 km/hr (100 mph).

"Speed" isn't the problem. "Speed too fast for conditions" is the problem.

I posted this on another forum...

All that intelligence (I'm being sarcastic) at the upper levels of government, and yet none of their policies really solve any problems...just look at the gun registry. :laugh

If driving 150 km/hr were so dangerous, they wouldn't be "cruising" at 190 km/hr on the Autobahn while still maintaining less fatalities than in North America.

That doesn't mean I'm thrilled when I see some wanna be racer in a car or motorcycle pulling some attitude induced moves.

The speed limits on our highways are rediculous, but for that to change, one would need drivers with:
- less attitude (thats the big one),
- a lot more skill,
- and better vehicles that are maintained.

Frankly, with a 32 year accident free driving record on both 2 and 4 wheels I'm sick and tired of having to pay the same insurance rates as some of these inbreds!

There are three race tracks between TO and Ottawa...use them! Find out how slow you really are.

[sachiwilson]

Actually, its the wanna bee racers that are whining becasue no matter what you set the speed limit to...its not fast enough. They're still be breaking the 50 over even if the speed limit was set to 160 km/hr (100 mph).

Point to a wanna be racer in this thread who has complained about the speed limit.

By the way, if you are going to "quote from another thread" you might want to add quote marks. I have no idea what you said and what someone else said, which makes quite a hash of your argument, to the extent you have one.

[GlobalRider]

Point to a wanna be racer in this thread who has complained about the speed limit.

This topic is on quite a few forums. A lot of them are sport bike riders....what do you expect?

By the way, if you are going to "quote from another thread" you might want to add quote marks. I have no idea what you said and what someone else said, which makes quite a hash of your argument, to the extent you have one.

I wrote it all. Sorry for the confusion.

[mrich12000]

Wow, what a reaction to this subject on countless forums within the last 24 hours.

I don't seem to see what the issue is.

In one thread, they're in sorrow (you know, the usual RIP and condolences) over another dead motorcyclist that ran into the back of a Trans Am in rush hour traffic (how fast can one be going in rush hour traffic - I know the road as I've driven it at that time), then in another thread they're complaining about these new anti racing rules. Duhhhh!

We have two race tracks in the area, both within a short drive.

:stick Thats quite the thought. :deal
So,I believe the speeds in Ontario are to slow(Lowered from 70 in the 1970's during the oil embargo and never returned to past limits:doh ) and there is a singnificant tax grab for a government that is in trouble and are grabing at straws as the election issues of speeding is trying to get them re-elected .there is a significant diference here nomal cars and truck don't uses NOX or specialy prepared equipment. So the towing companies are going to love this. (tow yard storage @$185 per day not including towing ticket realease charges ect;
Oh I need a drink..:bottle I wrote it all. Sorry for the confusion.
__________________
All the best,
Alex
No problem thanks
:type :bolt this is for the normals who drive the highways ..Michael..

Good one Paul, I too was doing light speed from the Loonie=Tic rally :bolt see u at finger lakes bud. oh hows the fixes on your steed?

[GlobalRider]

tow yard storage @$185 per day not including towing ticket realease charges ect...

Not really a concern of mine, but $185 a day for storage...hmmm, how do dealers manage to do it for $10 a day?

I'm sure they'll need to after the owners give the towing company the repair bills for towing damage (possible scratches to fairings, gas tanks, etc).

[Pat Carol]

I can't believe Ontario. Coming back from Fingers Lakes a couple of years ago. I was picked out of traffic by O.P.P. That cost me $300.00. Now they want more?
It is getting just as bad in the states. Pretty soon it will be a major felony for speeding but, you will be able to get away with any other crime.
I am waiting for both of our countries to add a hammer and sickle onto our flags.

PC

[mrich12000]

I can't believe Ontario. Coming back from Fingers Lakes a couple of years ago. I was picked out of traffic by O.P.P. That cost me $300.00. Now they want more?
It is getting just as bad in the states. Pretty soon it will be a major felony for speeding but, you will be able to get away with any other crime.
I am waiting for both of our countries to add a hammer and sickle onto our flags.

PC like I said TAX GRAB:hide

[F800ST]

We have speed limits in Ontario that are quite a bit lower than many other places because

people here just do not know how to drive. No offence to anyone or group but it is the truth.

Ontario is so diverse and multicultured ( does that word exist ? ) , that when you put everyone in one basket


YOU GET A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING !


ALSO, I do not know if you have been to any car shows lately, but the manufacturers are really cutting down on the glass.

Front windshields are narrower and shorter , and angled more. ( It is harder to see traffice lights when you are right up stopped in front of them )

The glass on the windows ( front and back ) are cut more acute with the same reduced visibility.

Rear wind sheilds the same.

So the result is increase motorvehicle accidents.

Another issue is our infrastructure. It lacks the infrastructure the neigbours south of us have.

It is like , we built our city and thought about the roads later. At least in Toronto.

[R80RTJohnny]

For a small minority to spoil it for others. In Ottawa a young man of 25 died as a result of injuries sustained while "racing" with another motorcyclist during rush hour on a major road this wednesday. Slammed into the back of a car waiting to turn. I'm sure the car driver will be scared for life.

Are these new fines harsh - maybe. Is the trauma inflicted to others by law breakers justified for a simple thrill - No.

The next time you receive your bike insurance renewal just think of how much money you are spending on payouts for the stupid.

Have fun.

[GlobalRider]

In Ottawa a young man of 25 died as a result of injuries sustained while "racing" with another motorcyclist during rush hour on a major road this wednesday. Slammed into the back of a car waiting to turn.

I heard about that one. Not having read what the cause was, is that a fact that they were racing? Although not wanting to jump to conclusions, I was wondering how one could get killed by running into a car in stop and go rush hour traffic.

The next time you receive your bike insurance renewal just think of how much money you are spending on payouts for the stupid.

Exactly! At 32 out of 32 years accident free and insurance claims free driving, I am get sick and tired of having my premiums increase due to inbreds on our roads.

[GlobalRider]

I heard about that one. Not having read what the cause was, is that a fact that they were racing? Although not wanting to jump to conclusions, I was wondering how one could get killed by running into a car in stop and go rush hour traffic.

Found the newspaper story on another forum...
"Racing motorbikes in fatal crash" (http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=ba8b487f-b039-42f1-bef3-a6983d37af89&k=93341)

Thats 5 dead in a week (3 on motorcycles and another 2 in a Porsche (one of them from the local motorcycle forum)) all due to their own doing.

What amazes me are the comments flying about, about how they were such incredibly responsible riders, etc...and those same people are the ones that whine about their superbikes being blacklisted by insurance companies and insurance rates going up. Like can they not figure it out?

[Motor31]

It's not necessarily the "50 over" that people are complaining about, it's the "50 over" tied to an unreasonably low base speed limit.

"Speed" isn't the problem. "Speed too fast for conditions" is the problem. It's not clear from the discussion that 50kmh over the speed limit in Ontario is worth that kind of penalty. To put it in perspective, 150 kmh is about 90 mph. The speed limits out here in the Southwest are often 75, and the roads are empty. People cruise at 85. Would 90 be "racing" in the desert southwest? Heck no! Remember the fuss when the national speed limit was 55? Same thing.

Since you mentioned the West and MPH specifically lets put this into perspective.

50 kmh is equivalent to 30 MPH. That means if the limit is 55 mph and you add the 30 to it you are doing 85 or more than a third again over the limit. FWIW in AZ that puts the ticket in the criminal category vs the regular civil one since you are over 21 mph over the limit. That means you are looking a potential jail term (unlikely in the extreme if it's only speeding) in addition to a higher fine.

Using your 75 MPH example means you would be traveling at 105 MPH with that extra 50 kmh. Still quite unreasonable amount of speed even if the flow of traffic is moving 80 or even 85. If it's going that fast already, what the hell is your justification for 105 mph?