Car surfing and street racing are unacceptable activities that are severely punished under the Highway Safety Code. These activities can even lead to criminal charges.
In brief
What the Highway Safety Code says
Street racing
"No person may drive a road vehicle in a race with another vehicle, or for a wager or a stake except in the case of a rally conducted in conformity with the standards prescribed in a regulation made or approved by the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports pursuant to the Act respecting safety in sports […]."
Car surfing
"No person may ride on the running board or on any outer part of a vehicle in motion, or ride in the box or dump body of a vehicle in motion, or tolerate such a practice […], hang on to, or be pulled or pushed by, a moving road vehicle, and no driver may tolerate such a practice."
Examples of car surfing
Riding on the roof, at the rear or on the side of a vehicle in motion.
Riding in the box or cargo space of a truck or pick-up truck.
Holding onto a moving vehicle.
Riding on a skateboard, a sled, a snowboard, a bike, a couch—or any other object—pulled by a vehicle.
Streets, highways and other public roads are not race tracks
Use private tracks instead; they are made specifically for racing!
Penalties and costs related to car surfing and street racing
Immediate driver's licence suspension for 7 days (30 days for a repeat offence)
Immediate seizure and impoundment of the vehicle for 7 days, plus costs (30 days for a repeat offence)
12 demerit points
$1,000.00 to $3,000.00 fine
Also:
the offence remains on the offender's driving record for 10 years
the cost of a driver's licence increases based on the number of demerit points on record
automobile or motorcycle insurance will become very expensive. Some insurers might even refuse to cover you
Penalties for individuals who car surf
Their licence, or right to obtain one, is immediately suspended.
If they are convicted, they will also be required to pay a $1,000.00 to $3,000.00 fine, and have 12 demerit points entered on their driving record.
Penalties for individuals who allow their vehicle to be used for car surfing or street racing, even if they simply lend it to someone else
Their licence, or right to obtain one, is immediately suspended.
If they are convicted, they will also be required to pay a $1,000.00 to $3,000.00 fine, and have 12 demerit points entered on their driving record.
What the Criminal Code says
In the event of injuries or death, criminal charges may be filed against those involved in the car surfing or street racing incident.
Penalties under the Criminal Code
Offenders are liable to, at the discretion of the judges, a maximum sentence of:
