Distracted Driving

The Saugeen Shores Police Service continue to see people talking or texting on their phones while driving.  Over the past week, several tickets for this dangerous practice have been issued.

Distracted driving is preventable; however, it is now one of the biggest issues on Ontario roadways today. It has surpassed impaired driving as the number one killer on the roads, and it is an issue that drivers need to take seriously.

Penalties for distracted driving have been increasing to match the seriousness of the offence.

Penalties (MTO website:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/distracted-driving  )

If you have an A, B, C, D, E, F, G and/or M licence, you’ll face bigger penalties when convicted of distracted driving:

First conviction:

a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
a fine of up to $1,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
three demerit points
3-day suspension

Second conviction

a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
a fine of up to $2,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
six demerit points
7-day suspension

Third and any further conviction(s)

a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
a fine of up to $3,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
six demerit points
30-day suspension

Novice drivers

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

Instead of demerit points you’ll face longer suspensions:

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

to get your licence back you’d have to redo the GLS program