Barrie police say distracted driving is just as dangerous as impaired driving.
Hands-free while behind the wheel means just that.
"While it's tempting to reach for your phone at a red light to send a quick text telling someone you're on your way, it is illegal to use a hand-held device behind the wheel unless calling 911, according to the Highway Traffic Act," police said in a news release.
A hand-held device goes beyond just a cell phone. It can include tablets, other communication or entertainment devices, and display screens showing things unrelated to driving, such as a computer or video. In other words, police say hands-free driving involves not scrolling, typing our touching a device while operating a vehicle.
Det. Const. Ron Hunt with the Barrie Police Service Traffic Unit emphasizes how significant the consequences of distracted driving can be.
“Imagine being notified by a police officer that your loved one has passed away in a motor vehicle collision. The officer turns over the cell phone to their loved one only to discover they died texting a friend a simple message like, ‘I’m running late,’ or ‘Can’t wait to see you'.”
Detective Constable Rick Hueson from our Traffic Unit takes us along while’s he’s out educating drivers on the distracted driving highway traffic act charge and shares the consequences if you’re caught.
— Barrie Police (@BarriePolice) February 4, 2026
Read more about handheld devices and driving: https://t.co/E8qLBUrnOc pic.twitter.com/QyuE9n6duF
Penalties for distracted driving increase with each conviction.
For fully licensed drivers:
- First offence: The fine starts at $615 and can be as high as $1,000, three demerit points, and a three-day licence suspension upon conviction
- Second offence: A fine up to $2,000, six demerit points, and a seven-day licence suspension upon conviction
- Third or subsequent offence: A fine up to $3,000, six demerit points, and a 30-day licence suspension upon conviction
Novice drivers, those with a G1, G2, M1 and M2 licence, face stiffer penalties, and could even have their licence cancelled for repeat offences.
