The Ontario Provincial Police have begun laying charges for distracted driving that as of Jan. 1 come with tougher penalties.
The new rules now mean that if you are caught driving while using a cellphone or other handheld device, you can be fined $615 to $1,000 and receive three demerit points. That’s an increase from the minimum fine of $490. Novice drivers will have the added penalty of a suspended licence for 30 days.
Drivers convicted of a second offence within five years will be fined $2,000, lose six demerit points and lose their licence for six days. Drivers with three offences in five years will be fined $3,000, lose six demerit points and lose their licence for 30 days.
