The Truth About Ontario’s New Distracted Driving Laws

As motorcyclists, the horrors of distracted driving are all too familiar. We know the statistics, we’ve seen the impact and our hope is that these new laws will be a catalyst for change.

Considering 30% of accidents are the result of distracted driving, we hope that the new laws the Province of Ontario enforced January 1, 2019, will have a significant impact. According to a blog posted by Youngs Insurance, “Under the new laws, those convicted of a distracted driving offence will be penalized with fines, demerit points, and a licence suspension.”  

Harsher Punishments For Distracted Driving Offences

Distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in an accident. Those who commit offences will face the following new law fines:

1. 3-day suspension and a $1,000 fine for your first offence
2. 7-day suspension and a $2,000 fine for your second offence
3. 30-day suspension, a $3,000 fine, and 6 demerit points for 3 or more offences

Different Penalties For Those With M1/M2 Motorcycle Licence

If you hold a M1 or M2 licence you will not receive any demerit points. Instead of demerit points you’ll face longer suspensions.

1. a 30-day licence suspension for a first conviction
2. a 90-day licence suspension for a second conviction
3. cancellation of your licence and removal from the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) for a third conviction (you will have to redo the GLS)

It’s simple; the new distracted driving laws prohibit the use of anything hand-held while driving.  That includes eating, drinking, smoking, reading, or grooming.

Source: www.ontario.ca