In case you haven’t heard, the government of Ontario has significantly increased the penalties for distracted driving as of Jan 1, 2019. First offence now includes a 3 day suspension!
From Ontario.ca, the penalties are now:
- First conviction:
- a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
- a fine of up to $1,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
- three demerit points
- 3-day suspension
- Second conviction
- a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
- a fine of up to $2,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
- six demerit points
- 7-day suspension
- Third and any further conviction(s)
- a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
- a fine of up to $3,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
- six demerit points
- 30-day suspension
The easiest way to avoid penalties for distracted driving is to not use a hand-held device when you’re behind the wheel.
It’s against the law to use hand-held communication (e.g. your phone) and electronic entertainment devices (e.g. DVD player, e-reader) while driving.
In fact, simply holding a phone or other device while driving is against the law.
You can use:
- a hands-free device (e.g. Bluetooth) but only to turn it on and off
- a mounted device (e.g. phone, GPS) as long as it is secure – not moving around while driving
In addition to the significant penalties in the law, Section 17.01 g) of our collective agreement identifies “operating vehicles or equipment in a dangerous manner” as a firing offense.
It’s just not worth the risk. You could get a big, expensive ticket and loose your job.
Nolan Oliver, President