New Ontario speeding law

[Wayne Maybury]

A couple of months ago, there was a discussion here about the new speeding law that was going to be introduced in Ontario. Basically anyone caught going more that 50 km per hour (30 mph) over the posted speed limit would face fines of at least $2000 and would have their vehicle impounded for a week. Additional infractions would be much more expensive.

Well the law came into effect yesterday and within the first few hours the police had already impounded 47 vehicles. A motorcycle was caught doing 200 km/h, a street racer doing 194 km/h in an 80 zone and a 2 day old Chrysler 300 got caught doing 174 km/h. In addition, a couple of rental cars were siezed going way over the posted limits. One kid was crying as they towed away his mother's car in which he was caught speeding. The typical highway speed limit is 100 km/h.

The police also have the right to impound any car equipped with a nitrous oxide system. There is no appeal mechanism in the law and the driver also has to pay for all towing and storage charges. While the article in the paper didn't mention anything, I think I remember that the maximum fine is $10,000 for repeated offences and they also have the right to crush the vehicle.

Wayne