Ontarios new driving laws will mean automatic suspension of. Ontario s distracted driving law has been updated with more severe penalties for distracted driving because the number of distracted driving charges rose 21% between 2016 and 2017 in key areas, like york. Those caught distracted driving will face much harsher punishments than previous years from skyrocketing fines, jackedup demerit fines and licence suspensions are all coming soon for those convicted of distracted. Distracted driving ticket issued in tim hortons drivethru duration. Ontarios distracted driving laws apply to the use of handheld communication entertainment devices and certain display screens. Ontario targets distracted driving with strict new law.
Dec 28, 2018 the penalties for texting and driving are about to get more real. Jan 01, 2020 the year 2020 will bring a number of new laws and rules that canadians should be aware of, including changes to cannabis and vaping regulations in some provinces. The new laws for distracted driving in ontario are set to take effect on jan. As the existing fines seem to have done little to deter folks from using their phone while driving, the new law comes with some serious teeth that grow. Thats why there are driving laws in place that penalize people who are found to be driving while distracted. What other ways are drivers distracted if they are not using their phone. Fines for firsttime offenders will more than double from the. Motorists must only use wireless devices in a handsfree manner. Ontario approves tougher distracted driving penalties the star. New distracted driving laws in ontario tektonic managed.
Ontario, following the new drugimpaired driver rules, has announced new distracted driving laws. In ontario, deaths from collisions caused by distracted driving have doubled since 2000. Ontarios new distracted driving law to start in 2019 cbc news. New ontario distracted driving laws for 2020 6teen tv. Distracted driving, particularly the use of handheld devices while driving, has become such a huge problem that the ontario government is proposing new laws. The government of ontario has posted a list of activities that counts as distracted driving and it includes anything from simply holding an electronic device in ones hand to eating while behind the wheel.
In 20016 more fatal accidents were caused by distracted drivers than any other factor. If convicted of distracted driving, a novice driver subject. A section of the ontario cannabis legislation, which was passed in 2017, is expected to affect drivers in the province starting on january 1, 2019, according to the ministry of transportation mto. Distracted driving laws i n ontario the law in ontario is very strict, and requires drivers to be free from any form of distraction while operating a vehicle. Ontario distracted driving legislation canada safety council. The proposal seeks to increase the fines and penalties associated with distracted driving. Ontario s new distracted driving law to start in 2019. Tougher penalties for texting and driving in ontario start. Distracted driving penalties increase under new ontario law this summer ontario has finally turned up the heat on distracting driving with major increases in fines and demerit points.
If you want to make sure you avoid breaking the law. Teens and young people under 35 are the most frequent users of cell phones while driving. It has surpassed impaired driving as the number one killer on the roads, and it is an issue that drivers need to take more seriously. New distracted driving rules in ontario as of january 1 on january 1, 2019, the existing fines and penalties for distracted drivers in ontario are increasing. Ontarios new driving laws will mean automatic suspension.
To a teenager eagerly awaiting their turn with the car keys, driving symbolizes freedom. Find out the risks of distracted driving, which devices you can and cant use and the penalties you could incur. Below is a synopsis of handheld cell phone legislation in canada. Dec 29, 2018 stiff new penalties for distracted, impaired driving in ontario begin on jan.
New ontario laws crack down on distracted driving preszler law. Distracted driving in the news again ontario toronto. While eating is not a specific part of most provinces distracted driving law, some regions of canadasuch as ontariohave enacted stricter penalties for snacking while in the drivers seat. New distracted driving laws to take effect next week the. When the driver is lawfully parked or has safely pulled off the roadway and is not impeding traffic. Distracted driving legislation caa south central ontario. Tektonic managed services, toronto it support company. Drivers convicted of distracted driving under the new laws will be punished with a licence suspension, a hefty fine and demerit points. The ontario provincial police explain the magnitude of the issue at hand. As of january 1st, 2019 penalties for distracted driving in ontario are increasing. As a result, all 10 provinces in canada have some form of cell phone distracted driving legislation in place. We will take a look at what rules are changing, what fines are increasing, and why these changes are being implemented. In ontario, its illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using cell phones and other handheld communication and entertainment devices while operating. Exemption for certain evaluation and monitoring functions.
Oct 30, 2017 starting today, drivers in ontario can expect some major changes to their provinces distracted driving law while a distracted driving charge will leave you with stiffer penalties, and may even raise your car insurance premium, the focus of this new law is safety. Driving a passenger vehicle is both a privilege and a responsibility. Learn more about ontario distracted driving laws, fines and suspensions, and how to get help if youve been in an accident. Police may also continue to charge a driver with careless driving when not paying full attention to the driving task. Distracted driving is cited as a causal factor in 30 to 50 percent of traffic collisions in ontario, but is. Mar 16, 2020 frequently asked questions about ontarios distracted driving law i. What are ontarios new careless and distracted driving laws. Guide to distracted driving in ontario the canada car buying guide. Distracted driving laws in ontario what is distracted driving. As a result, all ten provinces and two of the three territories in canada have some form of cell phone distracted driving legislation in place. Distracted driving regulations continue to be an area of interest for many canadian radio amateurs. Ontarios new distracted driving laws to take effect jan.
Ontario joins more than 50 countries worldwide and a growing number of north american jurisdictions that have similar distracted driving legislation including quebec, nova scotia, newfoundland and labrador, california and new york. In ontario one person is injured in a distracted driving collision every half hour. The canadian council of motor transport administrators defines distracted driving as the diversion of attention from driving, as a result of the driver focusing on a nondriving object, activity, event, or person. The ontario highway traffic act section on distracted driving only refers to handheld devices. Distracted driving laws in ontario explained jasmine. Xcopper will be covering the topic of recent changes to ontario driving legislation over a fourpart blog series. Punishments would be dramatically increased for repeat offenders. The fines for distracted driving would increase from. These regulations are made and enforced by provincial governments and can vary considerably from province to province and over time. Heres what counts as distracted driving under ontarios. A viral story lacked context about the implementation of a new driving law in province of ontario. Ontario will soon be rolling out new driving laws that will apply stricter punishments on individuals caught driving while distracted.
Stiff new penalties for distracted, impaired driving in. New ontario distracted driving laws for 2019 explained. The personal injury law firm of siegfried and jensen conducted an analysis to understand how states nationwide have implemented laws to regulate distracted driving to. There are plenty of ways people can get distracted while driving. Stiffer fines and longterm consequences are coming for distracted drivers in ontario in 2019. The opp fully supports this new legislation and recognizes it as an important enhanced deterrent aimed at changing unsafe driver. Minister of transportation steven del duca and minister of tourism, culture and sport eleanor mcmahon announced plans to introduce new legislation in the fall that would help protect pedestrians and cyclists and reduce the number of people killed or injured by impaired, distracted and dangerous drivers. Distracted driving on the other hand is defined and covered under provincial legislation. You are considered a distracted driver if you do any of the following behind the wheel. Under the law, drivers may use handsfree devices or devices such as a cell phone or gps device provided that they are securely mounted.
Toronto police say that in 2018, 1116 people were arrested for impaired driving related offences. It is against the law to use any handheld device or electronic entertainment device such as an ereader while driving. Ontario is enacting legislation that increases the cost of carelessness in hopes of. Stiff new penalties for distracted, impaired driving in ontario begin on jan. As a result, all ten provinces and two of the three territories in canada have some form of cell phonedistracted driving legislation in place. In addition to using a phone, which is explicitly prohibited, distracted driving could include reading a paper map, adjusting the stereo, eating or drinking, or even talking to passengers. Ontario is also refining its distracted driving penalties. In ontario, holding your mobile device, even if youre not looking at it, while operating your vehicle can be interpreted as distracted driving.
In some cases, a driver s licence may be suspended for up to two years. Jan 30, 2018 new ontario bylaws will mean automatic drivers licence suspension for convicted distracted drivers in ontario are soon to take effect after receiving royal assent. This is how much fines are under ontario s new distracted driving laws. Ontario is enacting legislation that increases the cost of carelessness in hopes of also increasing safer driving practices. When it comes to distracted driving, state laws are not. Distracted driving is no longer limited to just texting and making phone calls. Distracted driving changes made under the ontario cannabis legislation will come into effect on january 1, 2019. That means whats described as distracted driving in one province, can be different in another province. Ontario distracted driving legislation and amateur radio. No longer bound by a chauffeur chaperone, the drivers seat is an open invitation to opportunity.
Transport canada distracted driving puts canadian road users at risk. Basic distracted driving offenses would come with license suspensions of three days first offense, seven days second and then 30 days subsequent convictions. As a result, all 10 provinces in canada have some form of cell phonedistracted driving legislation in place. The ontario government is introducing a new mandatory threeday drivers licence suspension on a first conviction for distracted. Most drivers caught, talking, texting, dialing or emailing on a handheld device will be fined up to. Fines for distracted driving in ontario are now among the highest in canada. Guide to distracted driving in ontario the canada car. Jan 16, 2020 if each driver were to do their part and be more dedicated to avoiding driving while distracted, countless accidents, injuries, and deaths could be prevented on canadian roads. Added on july 29, 2019 the news wheel canada, distracted driving, driving laws, ontario, safe driving, texting and driving.
Understanding ontarios new 2019 distracted driving laws. In particular, ontario now uses a 3tier penalty system for distracted driving. Apparently eating food behind the wheel may get you a. Police sources have confirmed that canadas new driving laws, which received royal assent earlier this year, will officially take effect in every province on feb. Distracted driving laws in canada distracted driving is a national issue. This facebook post appears to be referencing the new distracted driving laws implemented in ontario, canada, at the start of 2019, but message still managed to fudge a few details of that law. Learn about distracted driving, how you can avoid it, and what is happening in canada to prevent distraction on our roads. Oct 21, 2009 ontario joins more than 50 countries worldwide and a growing number of north american jurisdictions that have similar distracted driving legislation including quebec, nova scotia, newfoundland and labrador, california and new york. Risks of distracted driving good drivers keep their hands on.
Ontarios new distracted driving law to start in 2019. The truth about texting and driving in ontario and canada. New offences also include the creation of careless driving causing bodily harm by the cannabis, smokefree ontario and road safety statute law amendment act in 2018. Ontarios new driving laws will mean automatic suspension of drivers licences for distracted driving anchorman canada episode for 11. Ontarios tough distracted driving rules to take effect. In theory, it can be anything that could take a driver s eyes off the road, or mental concentration away from driving. You will be charged for distracted driving if you are even touching. Distracted driving is driving while performing any activity which could potentially distract a driver from the primary task of operating a vehicle.
Ontario ramps up penalties for distracted driving toronto sun. Distracted driving is one of the biggest issues on ontario roadways today. Distracted driving has a broad definition and can mean anything from text messaging or making that phone call while you drive, to doing so while stopped at a stoplight. People may not think of it in the same category as drunk driving but its actually. Its now the law the use of handheld cell phones and other wireless devices while driving is prohibited in ontario. Changes to distracted driving and careless driving in ontario.
Eating, grooming yourself, reaching for something or even talking to another passenger in the car can also take your attention away from the road, but these distractions wont lead to a distracted driving charge. A driver using a phone is four times more likely to crash. New ontario distracted driving laws for 2020 youtube. For drivers in toronto, for example, ontario responded with pretty hefty distracted driving rules. Distracted and careless drivers will soon face even more stringent penalties. Are there any exemptions to ontarios distracted driving law. In ontario, you can be penalised and heavily for distracted driving. Ontarios distracted driving laws apply to the use of handheld communicationentertainment devices and certain display screens. For novice drivers with a g1 or g2, you could face the same fines, but instead of demerit points youll receive a license suspension. Under ontario law, distracted driving refers specifically to using handheld electronic devices behind the wheel. Jun 08, 2018 ontario provincial police say distracted driving continues to be the no. Ontario proposes new distracted driving laws isure.
In ontario, deaths from distracted driving have doubled since 2000, and it is illegal to use a cellphone or any other handheld wireless. Ontarios tough distracted driving rules to take effect jan. Ontario and manitoba heavily ramping up distracted driving. Mar 06, 2020 in this blog post, we have compiled some distracted driving facts to encourage all drivers to eliminate risky behavior. A section of the ontario cannabis legislation, which was passed in 2017, is expected to affect drivers in the province starting on january 1.
Road safety advocates are welcoming new distracted driver penalties which come into effect at. In ontario one person is injured in a distracteddriving collision every half hour. New distracted driving rules in ontario as of january 1. Distracted driving law takes effect today desjardins insurance. Ontario proposes new distracted driving laws ontario, following the new drugimpaired driver rules, has announced new distracted driving laws. When driving, you are not permitted to use handheld communication and entertainment devices or view display screens unrelated to the driving task, with the following exceptions. The changes reflect mobile technologys impact on our roads. Motorists are not permitted to use handheld communication and electronic entertainment devices when driving with the following exceptions. Guards appointed under the public works protection act. An office wont seize a driver s license at the roadside however a judge would have to order it suspended offenders driver s license only after the driver is found guilty distracted driving is the number one 1 cause of deaths in ontario. Ontarios distracted driving legislation applies to handheld wireless communications and electronic entertainment devices. Police may also continue to charge a driver with careless driving when not paying.
Distracted driving ministry of transportation ontario. Richard ferch, ve3ki rac regulatory affairs officer. Jun, 2018 the new laws for distracted driving in ontario are set to take effect on jan. Changes to distracted driving and careless driving in ontario are coming.
In ontario, it is illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using handheld cell phones and other handheld communications and entertainment devices. This is how much fines are under ontarios new distracted. The fight against distracted driving took a better turn earlier this summer with the introduction of fines of. First, convictions under the distracted driving rules will result in the driver having his or her license suspended for up to five years. The new distracted driving law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using handheld cell phones and other handheld communications and entertainment devices. New distracted driving legislation in ontario part 1 x.
Distractions can come from many sources, above and beyond mobile phones. Theres new distracted driving laws that will be enforced as of january 1 2019 as a part of bill 174 cannabis, smokefree ontario and road safety statute law amendment act. Jun 02, 2015 ontario approves tougher distracted driving penalties. An office wont seize a drivers license at the roadside however a judge would have to order it suspended offenders drivers license only after the driver is found guilty distracted driving is the number one 1 cause of deaths in ontario. Ontario new distracted driving laws came into effect january 1, 2019. Ontario distracted driving legislation and amateur radio calling all ontario based amateur radio clubs and ares groups as you may well know, amateur radio operators in ontario are enjoying a timelimited exemption under the highway traffic acts distracted driving regulations, allowing us the use of mobile 2way communications apparatus until january 1, 2018. Distracted driving fines and penalties are increasing.
307 48 848 985 732 1469 1215 1419 1356 365 388 184 89 1313 1245 1453 728 700 1060 718 84 1168 151 1479 204 550 658 182 715 939 1271 73 1021 416 1003 954 1094 77 149 344 1429 963 341 1154 862 371