Tougher Distracted Driving Penalties Take Hold In 2019

Fines and penalties for distracted driving have increased as of January 1.

If you have an A, B, C, D, E, F and/or G licence you’ll face

For your first conviction:

• a fine of up to $1,000
• three demerit points
• a three-day day driver’s licence suspension

For your second conviction within 5 years:

• a fine of up to $2,000
• six demerit points
• a seven-day driver’s licence suspension

For your third and all subsequent convictions within 5 years:

• a fine of up to $3,000
• six demerit points
• a 30-day driver’s licence suspension

Novice Drivers

If you hold a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence, and are convicted of distracted driving, you’ll face the same escalating fines as drivers with A to G licences but you won’t receive any demerit points. Instead of demerit points, you’ll face:

• a 30-day licence suspension for a first conviction
• a 90-day licence suspension for a second conviction
• cancellation of your licence and removal from the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) for a third conviction

What counts as distracted driving

• Using your phone to talk, text, check maps or choose a playlist while you’re behind the wheel all count as distracted driving – and they put you and others at risk.
• Other activities like eating, reading or typing a destination into a GPS are also dangerous when you’re behind the wheel.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a highway or stopped at a red light – distracted driving could cost you.