16-year-old caught speeding 240 km/h on highway 401 in Mississauga

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Published May 4, 2024 at 12:39 pm

A 16-year-old boy faces multiple driving charges after being arrested last night for allegedly speeding over 200 km/h on a major highway in Mississauga.

The OPP stated that the teenager, who held only a G1 license—which is considered a beginner’s or learner’s permit in Ontario and the first of three classes in the graduated licensing system—was caught driving at 240 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 401 near Winston Churchill Boulevard.

According to police, the boy was arrested for stunt driving and held for a bail hearing. He faces several charges including dangerous vehicle operation, failure to comply with a release order and G1 violations, among other Highway Traffic Act offences.

In Ontario, stunt driving is defined as travelling at:

  • 50 km/h or more over the speed limit where the posted limit is above 80 km/h
  • 40 km/h or more over where the limit is 80 km/h or less
  • a speed of 150 km/h or more on any road or highway

In most cases, the driver’s license is suspended for 14 days and the vehicle is impounded for 30 days regardless of who the registered owner is.

Other penalties include the possibility of arrest and a mandatory court date with a minimum fine of $2,000 to $10,000.

The Ministry of Transportation notes on its website that G1 drivers have several restrictions which include the following:

  • G1 drivers are required to maintain a blood-alcohol level of zero while operating a vehicle.
  • Driving alone is not permitted; an accompanying driver with a valid Class G (or higher) license, a minimum of four years of driving experience, and a blood-alcohol level below .05% must occupy the front passenger seat.
  • All occupants of the vehicle must utilize functioning seatbelts.
  • G1 drivers are prohibited from driving on 400-series highways with speed limits exceeding 80 km/h, as well as certain high-speed roads such as the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, E.C. Row Expressway, and Conestoga Parkway unless accompanied by a driving instructor.
  • Driving between midnight and 5 a.m. is restricted for G1 drivers.

Officials have not indicated whether the 16-year-old was accompanied by a fully licenced driver who met the above requirements or confirmed that there were any other passengers in the vehicle.

Authorities haven’t released the name or place of residence, including a photo of the accused, as his identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Several users on X (formerly Twitter) voiced their dismay over the incident, with a consensus emerging that the teen should face harsher consequences for his reported reckless driving.

“I wonder if the driver has been taught what kind of damage speeding does to people when collisions or rollovers occur,” one user wrote.

“The only reason for driving at that speed is if you are trying to harm yourself or others. The only way to reduce this ignorance is to publish the driver’s name and photo, which can affect their financial situation, as well as their job, school, and family life,” another user said.

Peel Regional Police say stunt driving continues to be a problem in Mississauga and Brampton. Certain areas, including mall parking lots, have become common places for racing.

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