Tougher penalties for texting and driving in Ontario start Jan. 1

Stiffer fines and long-term consequences are comingfor distracteddrivers inOntarioin 2019.

Most drivers caught, talking, texting, dialing or emailing on a handheld device will be fined up to $1,000more than double the current fine.

Additional penalties includea three-day licence suspension and three demerit points.And that's just the beginning.

"It's really going to cost you, but there's a reason for that," saidConst. Sean Ralph of the Ottawa police.

"It's a major infraction right up there with impaired driving."

Stronger distracted driving penalties

6 years ago

Duration 1:01

Const. Sean Ralph with the Ottawa police traffic unit talks about their hopes for Ontario's changes.

Ontario is ringing in the new year with the newpenalties,making it a good time for drivers to make a resolution to keep their hands off their devices while behind the wheel.

• Distracted driving caused most deaths on Ontario's roads last year

For a second conviction within five years, the maximum fine rises to$2,000, plus six demerit points and a seven-day driver's licence suspension.

Moreconvictions within that five-year period would bean even bigger hit to the wallet at a fine up to $3,000, six demerit pointsand a 30-day suspension.

On top of that, convicted motorists can expect their insurance rates to go up.

Distracted drivers are the leading cause offatal collisions in Ontario, according to police.

But in spiteof safety campaigns, police crackdowns, and increased fines, texting and drivingis still rampant.

"It's really education throughenforcement," said Ralph, who hopes higher fines will change behaviour on the road.

"The last thing I want to do, especially this time of year, is do a death notification."

Toughest penalties for new drivers

Drivers with a graduated (G1, G2, M1 or M2) licence face even harsher penalties.

Texting a friend? Answering a phone call? Looking up an address? Ifyou're doing any of those thingsbehind the wheel, you're breaking the law.

Those drivers face the same fines as more experienced drivers, plus:

• 30-day licence suspensions for a first conviction,
• 90-day licence suspensionsfor a second conviction,
• licence cancellations for a third conviction.

The penalties are the same whether the motorist is using a cellphone while driving or sitting at a red light.

Ontario's Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek said last month these will be Canada's toughest penalties forrepeat distracted driving convictions.

The only exceptions are to call 911 in an emergency situation or when the driver is either lawfully parked or safely pulled off the road which is only allowed on a 400-series highway for an emergency.