Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of collisions, with a person being killed or injured every hour due to distracted driving on Ontario roads. The penalties for drivers are becoming more severe every year. Many people think of texting behind the wheel, but
distracted driving can also include eating, adjusting a GPS, or even changing music on your phone.
Fines and Penalties in Ontario
If you’re convicted of distracted driving in Ontario, the consequences can be severe:
- First offence: A fine of up to $1,000, three demerit points, and a three-day license suspension.
- Second offence: A fine of up to $2,000, six demerit points, and a seven-day suspension.
- Third and subsequent offences: A fine of up to $3,000, six demerit points, and a 30-day suspension.
These penalties are designed to act as a deterrent, but the financial impact doesn’t stop with the fines.
Insurance Impacts
Insurance companies treat distracted driving convictions much like impaired driving or careless driving charges, serious, high-risk behaviour.
A single conviction can:
- Increase your insurance rates significantly, in some cases by 25% to 50% or more.
- Stay on your driving record for three years, affecting your premiums during that entire period.
- Result in policy cancellation or denial of coverage if you accumulate multiple convictions.
Even after the conviction falls off your record, you may continue to pay higher rates because insurers consider prior behaviour as a risk indicator.
How to Protect Yourself
- Keep your phone out of reach or use “Do Not Disturb” driving mode.
- Program your GPS before you leave.
- If something urgent comes up, pull over safely before handling it.