Quebec proposes heftier fines for distracted driving, booster seats til age 9

Drivers and cyclists, get ready: there may be new and tougher provisions in proposed revisions to Quebec's Highway Safety Code.

The bill, which aims to crack down on dangerous driving, was tabled on the last day of the fall session at the National Assembly Friday.

Here are some highlights from the 86 proposed measures.

Curfew for new drivers

For motorists with alearner's permit, there would be a new late-night curfew which would bar them fromdriving, from midnight to 5 a.m.

This would apply to drivers of both motorcycles and regular vehicles.

New deadline for winter tires

Since 2008, Quebec vehicle ownershave been obligated to have winter tires on their cars fromDec. 15 to March 15.

Motorists may have to start the scramble to install their winter tires a little earlier,because the deadline would be movedup by two weeks.

Under the new Highway Safety Code, winter tires would be mandatory as ofDec. 1.

"Quebec is a large province and has a very different climate from one place to the other, so Dec.15is a bit late in the season for a lot ofplaces," said Quebec Transport Minister AndrFortin.

Distracted driving

Fines would go up for drivers who are caught distracted behind the wheel.

For repeat offenders, fines would start at $300 and cap at $600. That's a sharp increase from the current penalty, which ranges from $80 to $100.

While the measure targets texting and driving, it would alsoapplyto drivers distracted by electronic devices and screens.

• Why experts say cars and phones hands-free or not don't mix

Longer time in car seats

The government is also proposing keeping children in booster seats in cars until they're older or taller.

If the bill is passed, children would have to be strapped in car seats until the age of nine or until they are at least 1.45 metres in height, or 49".

"It's a measure that's in accordance with what exists in other Canadian provinces," said Fortin.

Harsher penalty for drunk drivers

As part of the proposed reforms, the province wantsrepeat offenders found to have beendriving under the influence to face stifferconsequences.

The vehicles of repeat offenders wouldhave to be equipped with apermanent alcohol ignition interlock device.In exceptional cases, the condition could be lifted after 10 years, but only if several terms are met.

"Anyone who drives under the influence twice honestly doesn't have a place on Quebec roads unless we all know that that person is sober," said Fortin.

Heftier fines for cyclists

The bill also contains proposed measures affectingcyclists.

Cyclists would no longer haveto signal they'reslowing down and, in municipalities that allow it, they would bepermitted to bike on the sidewalk.

Just as drivers must, cyclists would also haveto stop when they encounter a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.

When it comes to texting or handling a phone while on a bike, cyclists would be subjected to the same fines as drivers.

Fines for infractions would also befive times higher, rangingfrom $80 to $100. This is a sharp increase from the current fines of $15 to $30.

Under the new rules, however, cyclists who commit infractions would not be subject to demerit points on their motor vehicle permit.