Tougher Distracted Driving Penalties Take Hold In 2019
Increased fines, demerit points, loss of licence
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.