New distracted driving penalties are arriving in 2019.
January 1st marks the day that Ontario’s distracted driving laws become stricter and harsher.
New rules include raising the minimum fine from $490 to $615 with a maximum of $1,000. For first time convictions, drivers will also face a three day license suspension and three demerit points. If you’re caught a second time you can expect a fine up to $2,000, a week-long suspension and six demerits, while third time offenders or more will have their license suspended for a month, six demerits and a hefty fine.
Drivers on the ‘Graduated Lisencing System’ such as a G-1 lisence won’t lose demerit point, but will face a 30 days suspension on first offense, 90 day suspension for a second and will lose their lisences for a third.
According to the Ministry of Transportation, one person is injured in distracted driving every half an hour.
