New Distracted Driving Penalties in Ontario

Ontario just rolled out new fines and suspensions for Distracting Driving on January 1^st, 2019. Here’s what you need to know;

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is considered any activity that takes your focus off the road, even when you’re sitting stopped at a red light. These activities include;

• Using any electronic device; making or accepting phone calls, texting/emailing, reading, watching videos, checking directions, and changing music.
• Eating and drinking.
• Grooming or applying make up.
• Reading documents, papers or books.
• Typing routes or destinations into a GPS.
• Adjusting Entertainment systems.
• Looking for or reaching for a fallen/moving item in your vehicle.
• Simply holding a device in your hand.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada states that;

• Drivers are 23 more times likely to be involved in an accident while texting and driving.
• In Canada, distracted driving is the number one risk on the road, 8 of 10 collisions are caused by a driver who is distracted.
• If convicted for distracting driving you can expect your insurance premiums to rise.

These are the new penalties as of January 1^st, 2019 according to Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation;

Drivers with A to G licences

• First conviction:
  • a fine of up to $1,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
  • three demerit points
  • 3-day suspension
• Second conviction
  • a fine of up to $2,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
  • six demerit points
  • 7-day suspension
• Third and any further conviction(s)
  • a fine of up to $3,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
  • six demerit points
  • 30-day suspension

Novice drivers

If you hold a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence, and are convicted of distracted driving, you’ll face the same fines as drivers with A to G licences. But you won’t receive any demerit points.

Instead of demerit points you’ll face longer suspensions:

• a 30-day licence suspension for a first conviction
• a 90-day licence suspension for a second conviction
• cancellation of your licence and removal from the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) for a third conviction
  • to get your licence back you’d have to redo the GLS program

Tips for avoiding Distracted Driving

• Be an attentive driver, focus only on driving.
• Set your phone to “Driving Mode” to avoid the temptation.
• Make all calls or send any communication out before you leave.
• Enter your destination into your GPS before heading out.
• Secure all loose items or gear before hitting the road to avoid them moving while driving.
• Adjust seats, mirrors, temperature controls and sound system while still in park.
• Enlist your passengers to navigate, or change controls of radio, climate etc.
• Don’t eat and drive – eat first before you leave, if you must eat, pull over.
• Turn down the music.
• Take regular breaks on long trips.