OPP – Updated Distracted Driving Laws Now in Effect

Pete Fisher
5 years ago
• Categories: Local

Using a Mobile Device Behind the Wheel Could be Costly

Members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Central Region wish to highlight the updated distracted driving laws which came into place yesterday.

What hasn’t changed?

Distracted driving is a broad term that can encompass any behaviour that takes the operator’s attention away from operating their vehicle.There are three main types of distrac tion:

• Visual – taking your eyes off the road
• Manual – taking your hands of the wheel
• Cognitive – taking your mind off what you’re doing

Drivers who cause a collision or exhibit very poor driving directly related to being inattentive (eating, drinking, reading a map etc.) could be charged with Careless Driving. The fines and demerit points for Careless Driving remain unchanged.

What has changed as of January 01^st, 2019 surrounding the offence of Distracted Driving?

As of January 1, 2019, the penalties for driving with a hand-held wireless communication device (a portion of distracted driving) have increased for motorists in Ontario:

• Fine increases up to $1000
• 3 demerit points for a first offence
• 3 day licence suspension
• Penalties rise for subsequent convictions

Novice drivers (G1, G2, M1 or M2) who are convicted of distracted driving will receive the same fines, but will receive longer licence suspensions as opposed to demerit points. For a complete list of the updated fine/suspension increases please visit: http://www.ontario.ca/page/distracted-dr iving.