Ontario targets illegal car rallies with tough new penalties this summer [Video]

Police throughout Ontario are ramping up efforts to crack down on illegal car rallies and street racing events, warning new rules this year come with steep penalties for reckless drivers and spectators.

The meetups, often organized through social media, have become increasingly popular across the province, especially in commercial plaza parking lots and high schools.

Officers say some rallies attract hundreds of cars that are frequently marked by loud engines, reckless driving and dangerous stunts that put both participants and bystanders at risk.

In a recent statement on X, Windsor police called the events “loud and disruptive,” noting that many lead to “excessive speeding and reckless driving.”

The Ontario Provincial Police are also involved in the effort to tackle the issue as the weather starts to warm up.

The force says it will be using the new enforcement rules to tackle reckless driving.

“Careless Driving legislation has changed to include parking lots,” and …