New distracted driving laws will take affect, in only four days! If these new laws are disobeyed, motorists will face new, hefty fines. One of the more focused on laws is distracted driving and has the biggest changes. The fines for distracted driving have been drastically increased and demerit points have been added.
Minister of Transportation Stephen Del Duca is making his message crystal clear.
Distracted driving will not be tolerated.
He has this to say about the topic:
“You need to keep your hands on the wheel, you need to keep your eyes focused on the road, you need to keep your mind focused on the road and be aware of your surrounds and get where you are going safely and most importantly get back home to your loved ones, as well.”
Read More: Toronto Road Safety Changes
New Rules of the Road Effective September 1, 2015
Distracted Driving
| Current Penalty | Penalty Effective September 1, 2015 |
| $60-$500 Fine | $490 set fine and three (3) demerit points; minimum 30-day suspension for novice drivers |
For novice drivers – people driving with a G1, G2, M1, M2 class licence.
- First conviction; new driver will have their licence suspended for 30 days.
- Second conviction will have their licence suspended for 90 days.
- Third conviction; their licence will be terminated and forced to start over the licensing process.
“Dooring” of Cyclists or Vehicles
| Current Penalty | Penalty Effective September 1, 2015 |
| $60-$500 Fine | $365 set fine and three (3) demerit points |
Read More: Toronto Cyclist’s “dooring”
Passing Cyclists
| Current Penalty | Penalty Effective September 1, 2015 |
| None | $110 set fine and two (2) demerit points $180 set fine and two (2) demerit points (Community Safety Zone) |
- Drivers must leave a one-meter distance when passing cyclists.
Improper Light on Bicycle
| Current Penalty | Penalty Effective September 1, 2015 |
| $20 set fine | $110 set fine |
- Required to use a light and reflectors or reflective material on bicycle.
Slow Down, Move Over
| Current Penalty | Penalty Effective September 1, 2015 |
| $490 set fine | $490 set fine |
- Slow down, move over for emergency vehicles stopped at roadside to assist.
NOW INCLUDES: Tow Trucks stopped at roadside to assist. - Slow Down, Move Over for emergency vehicles & tow trucks stopped at roadside to assist.
More Changes to come within the next year due to
Bill 31 – Making Ontario Roads Safer Act
Effective January 1, 2016:
- Drivers must yield the whole roadway to pedestrians at school crossings and pedestrian crossovers.
- MEANING: Drivers have to wait until the pedestrian has fully crossed the crosswalk.
Expected Spring 2016
- Municipalities will have enhanced ability to charge out-of-province individuals caught by red light cameras.
Expected Fall 2016
- New penalties for drug-impaired driving that mirror penalties for alcohol-impaired driving.
- Extending remedial measures and ignition interlock requirements to any accumulation of alcohol/drug impaired driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
Expected Spring 2017
- Expansion of licence plate denial for drivers who do not pay Provincial Offences Act fines for offences such as speeding, improper lane changes, illegal turns, driving without insurance and careless driving.
- Extending the Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program to repeat offenders.
Read More about Bill 31 – Making Ontario Roads Safer Act HERE.
What’s Your Opinion?
What’s your opinion of the new laws coming into effect on September 1, 2015?
Let us know in the comments below.
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One Response(s) for “Huge Distracted Driving Fine Increase Effective September 1, 2015”
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