Hanmer Motorist Charged with Stunt Driving Near North Bay
By Dan Bertrand
Published: February 03, 2026 at 10:35PM EST
A motorist from Hanmer is facing serious charges after Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) intercepted a vehicle for excessive speeding on a major northern Ontario highway. The incident occurred on February 1, 2026, along Highway 17 in the Rutherglen area, just outside North Bay, where police say the driver was caught travelling at a dangerously high rate.
Details of the Highway Stop
According to the OPP, officers observed a pickup truck moving at 113 kilometres per hour in a posted 70 km/h zone. This speed represents a significant violation, exceeding the limit by 43 km/h, which automatically qualifies as stunt driving under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. The location, Highway 17, is a critical transportation corridor in northern Ontario, known for its variable conditions and importance to regional travel.
In response to the infraction, police immediately took action. The vehicle was towed from the scene and impounded for a period of seven days, a standard penalty for stunt driving offenses. Additionally, the driver's licence was suspended for 30 days. These measures are part of Ontario's stringent laws aimed at curbing aggressive and dangerous driving behaviours on public roads.
Legal and Safety Implications
Stunt driving charges in Ontario carry severe consequences, including substantial fines, potential jail time, and increased insurance premiums. The OPP has emphasized that such enforcement is crucial for public safety, particularly on highways where speed differentials can lead to catastrophic accidents. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to monitor and penalize reckless driving across the province.
The Rutherglen area, where the stop occurred, is a rural community near North Bay, highlighting that traffic enforcement is active even in less populated regions. Police remind drivers that speed limits are set based on road design, traffic patterns, and safety considerations, and exceeding them poses risks to all road users.
Broader Context of Traffic Enforcement
This case is part of a larger trend of OPP crackdowns on stunt driving, which has been a focus in recent years due to rising concerns about road safety. Similar incidents have been reported across Ontario, with police using both patrols and technology to detect offenders. The impoundment and licence suspension serve as immediate deterrents, while court proceedings will determine further penalties.
Authorities advise motorists to always adhere to posted speed limits, adjust driving for weather conditions, and avoid distractions. For communities like Hanmer and North Bay, such enforcement actions aim to foster safer driving habits and reduce the incidence of speed-related collisions on northern highways.
