The Ontario Provincial Police laid more than 1,500 distracted driving charges across the province during March Break.
Police said they spotted several drivers province-wide who were holding or using a hand-held electronic device during their campaign last week. A total of 1,508 distracted driving charges were laid on OPP-patrolled roads.
Police added that officers laid an additional 51 distraction-related careless driving charges against drivers who were caught dividing their attention between driving and some other activity that made roads unsafe.
The OPP said that over 2,000 distracted driving charges have been laid so far this year.
"The OPP is reminding drivers about the increased distracted driving penalties that took effect on January 1, 2019," police said in a news release late Wednesday afternoon. "The new penalties include a fine increase up to $1,000, three demerit points, and a three-day licence suspension."
Novice drivers also face longer licence suspensions under the new laws.
