Strengthened distracted driving laws take effect today in Ontario.

New additions include licence suspensions, increased demerit points and an increase to the minimum fines charged to those guilty of distracted driving.

Officials say distracted driving continues to be a challenge, nearly a decade after the initial legislation banning handheld devices was passed.

Recent CAA research shows that one in three Ontario drivers claim to engage in distracted driving as a result of using a mobile device.

According to the MTO, one person is injured in a distracted driving collision every half hour.

As of January 1, 2019, Ontario drivers can expect the following fines and penalties if caught driving distracted:
– The minimum financial penalty will increase from $490 to $615.
– A first conviction for distracted driving will now result in a three-day licence suspension, three demerit points and a minimum financial penalty of $615.
– A second conviction will result in a financial penalty of up to $2000 (previously up to $1000), six demerit points and a seven-day licence suspension.
– For third (or more) convictions, drivers will face a financial penalty of up to $3000 (previously up to $1000), six demerit points and a 30-day licence suspension.

Filed under: north-bay, ontario