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