Some seemingly routine driving violations have dire consequences under the law.

For example, a driver is stopped for a red light. As the light changes to circular green (without an advance), the driver executes a left turn before oncoming traffic has a chance to proceed.

Since September 2007, violators are no longer simply ticketed for "fail to yield" or "improper left turn."

Under Ontario Reg. 455/07, commonly known as the Stunt Driving law, such action is now considered a stunt. Police can immediately seize the driver's licence and vehicle for a week, with a maximum fine of up to $10,000.

Although a forceful, no-advance-green left turn is rude and illegal, the new penalty does seem heavy-handed.

There has to be at least one oncoming driver affected in order to lay the Stunt Driving charge but, really, how is this any different than when there is an advance green and a driver turns left after the advance green ends?

In both cases, the driver has violated the oncoming driver's right of way, but the penalty for jumping a solid green to turn left leaves offenders car-less for a week, and the other just nets a run-of-the-mill ticket.

Even if there is a collision, the additional ticket under the HTA carries a paltry set fine of $110, compared to the harsh stunt driving penalties imposed even when no crash occurs.

As another example, driving the wrong way on a one-way street also has the potential for severe penalties.

Possible charges include:

Dangerous operation of motor vehicle. Sec. 249 Criminal Code.

Careless driving. S. 130 HTA.

Disobey stop sign — fail to stop. S. 136(1) HTA.

Disobey sign, times three (no right turn, one way and wrong way do not enter). S. 144(9) HTA.

Drive wrong way — one way traffic. S. 153 HTA.

Pass off roadway (using shoulder). S. 150(2) HTA.

Improper left turn (while going wrong way). S. 141(6) HTA.

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If police were present, a slew of HTA charges, or just a single "wrong way" or "careless driving" charge could result, at the officer's discretion.

Criminal charges aren't likely unless serious injury or death occurs, the danger to others was extreme, or drunk driving was involved.

Email your non-mechanical questions to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.