Global Update

AHEAD OF ELECTION, CANADIAN PREMIER CRACKS DOWN ON "STREET RACING"

Canadian Premier Dalton McGuinty announced last week—two weeks before a provincial election—that beginning September 30, a new Ontario law will charge those caught driving 50km/h (31 mph) over the speed limit can be treated as a street racer. That means, according to a National Post report, that police can issue roadside seven-day license suspensions and impound vehicles for a week. If convicted, offenders face fines ranging from $2,000–$10,000.

For a second conviction within 10 years of the first, courts could take away a driver's license for up to 10 years, reports the Toronto Star. Currently, if someone drives 50 km/h over the limit they will get a ticket of about $500 and may, if convicted, have their license suspended for up to 30 days. On the second conviction the court can suspend the license for up to a year.

Officials said that on average, there are about 2,500 convictions in Ontario per year for driving 50km/h or more above the speed limit.