The penalties for distracted driving are increasing on New Year's Day.
Since 2009, Ontario drivers have been banned from using hand-held communication devices because it's been proven that they increase the chance of being involved in a collision.
Currently, if a driver is caught using a handheld device, the offender can expect a $490 fine and three demerit points.
The new escalating sanctions include increased fines and a suspension of your driver’s licence if convicted. The officer will not have the option of simply issuing a ticket at the roadside.
Effective January 1, the offender will receive a summons with a court date where fines for a first offence can be high as $1,000.
According to the information supplied by the Saugeen Shores Police Service, if you have an A, B, C, D, E, F and/or G licence:
For your first conviction: - fine of up to $1,000 - three demerit points - three-day driver’s licence suspension
For your second conviction within 5 years: - fine of up to $2,000 - six demerit points - seven-day driver’s licence suspension
For your third and all subsequent convictions within five years: - fine of up to $3,000 - six demerit points - 30-day driver’s licence suspension
And if you hold a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence, and are convicted of distracted driving, you’ll face the same escalating fines as drivers with A to G licences, but you won’t receive any demerit points.
Instead of demerit points, you’ll face: - 30 day licence suspension for a first conviction - 90 day licence suspension for a second conviction - cancellation of your licence and removal from the Graduated Licensing System for a third conviction.
