Ontario’s Distracted Driving Penalty Calculator
In Ontario, the law is clear: using hand-held devices like phones and electronic entertainment gadgets while driving is illegal. Even holding one is not allowed. The smart move? Keep your hands on the wheel, not on your devices. Opt for a hands-free device or securely mounted GPS for safer navigation.
To steer clear of penalties, simply don’t use hand-held gadgets while driving. Ontario law prohibits the use of such devices, including phones and electronic entertainment. Holding them is also a no-go. Stay safe by using:
This summary highlights Ontario’s escalating penalties for cell phone use while driving, emphasizing the province’s commitment to road safety.
Under Section 78.1 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, drivers cannot hold or use hand-held wireless and entertainment devices. However, hands-free use is permitted under certain conditions. Remember, safe driving comes first.
In Ontario, being charged with using a Cell Phone while driving, a common form of distracted driving, does not constitute a criminal offence. This type of offence falls under section 78(1) of the Highway Traffic Act. Although it is not classified as criminal, it’s important to note:
Understanding the legal implications of distracted driving in Ontario is crucial for all drivers. While not criminal, these charges carry substantial financial and administrative consequences.
Exceptions to Distracted Driving exist for emergencies. You can use your phone to call 911 if you spot a dangerous driver or in other urgent situations, provided you’ve safely pulled over. You cannot use this as an excuse if you are caught using your Cell Phone device while driving.
The lawmakers have determined that a moment’s distraction can lead to delayed reactions, poor decisions, and potentially fatal mistakes. There are three types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive, all of which can take your focus off driving. It is for these reasons that the Distracted Driving laws have gotten tougher over the years with both the courts and the insurance ramifications.
Receiving a cell phone ticket in Ontario is likely to lead to a substantial increase in your car insurance premiums. After such a conviction, insurance costs can soar, potentially doubling or even quintupling. This major infraction not only elevates your rates but also places you at risk of policy non-renewal. In some cases, you may have to secure coverage from insurers specializing in high-risk profiles to ensure you’re continuously insured.
For novice drivers holding a G2 License in Ontario, the repercussions of using a cell phone while driving are even more stringent. A first-time offence results in a substantial 30-day license suspension. This increases dramatically to a 90-day suspension for a second offence. Moreover, a third conviction under this category leads to license cancellation and ejection from the Graduated Licensing System. This strict approach underlines the province’s commitment to combating distracted driving and ensuring the safety of all road users.
The statistics are sobering. Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents in Ontario, with a person injured every half hour. The risk is real and growing, with deaths and accidents on the rise.
In Ontario, you have the right to contest a Cell Phone ticket. You must file the ticket with the court within 15 days and schedule a date to discuss your case with a prosecutor or to set a trial date. It’s not uncommon for the court to offer a preliminary meeting, which can determine the viability of taking the charges to trial. This step is crucial for those seeking to dispute the allegations of distracted driving and potentially avoid the associated penalties.
In Ontario, a cell phone driving conviction becomes a permanent part of your driving history. While demerit points from the offence will only impact your driving record for 2 (two) years, insurance companies have the ability to access and review these convictions on your driver’s license abstract for 3 (three) years, potentially affecting your insurance premiums and coverage options.
Yes, using hands-free devices is legal in Ontario. This includes Bluetooth-enabled phones and mounted GPS units. However, they must be operated in a way that doesn’t distract you from driving. Holding or using hand-held devices while driving is against the law.
Penalties for distracted driving in Ontario vary by license type. For A to G license holders, fines start at $615 and can go up to $3,000, with possible suspensions from 3 to 30 days. Novice drivers face similar fines but longer suspensions and no demerit points.
You deserve better.
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