Ontario Distracted Driving Laws, Fines And FAQs

Ontario Distracted Driving Laws, Fines, and Penalties for 2024

Distracted driving is 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 more seriously. 1 in 5 road fatalities are attributed to driving while distracted.

This is very concerning as distracted driving is preventable. If each driver were to do their part and be more dedicated to avoiding driving while distracted, countless accidents, injuries, and deaths could be prevented on Canadian roads.

Fines for partaking in this driving habit are now among the highest in Canada, and distracted driving can increase your insurance. Here’s what you need to know about the fines and laws for driving distracted.

Three main takeaways about distracted driving and insurance

• Distrcted driving continues to be one of the top risks for drivers.
• Penalties for distracted driving become more severe with each conviction.
• By detailing the penalties associated with distracted driving, drivers can prioritize safety and positive driving habits to contribute to safer roads.

Ontario distracted driving statistics

Here are some shocking statistics about distracted driving in the province:

• Ontario banned the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving, with a fine between $490 and $1,000, as well as demerit points as of June 2018.
• According to the OPP, distracted driving is Ontario's number 1 cause of accidents. It’s estimated that 8 in 10 accidents are caused by distraction.
• Deaths from collisions caused by distracted driving have doubled since 2000.
• One person is injured from a distracted driving-related accident every 30 minutes.
• There were 65 deaths in 2016, 83 in 2017, and 692 since 2009, according to the OPP.
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• It is estimated distracted driving caused 7,435 accidents in Toronto alone in 2016.

Here are some statistics around distracted driving in Canada:

• Nearly 3 out of 4 Canadian drivers admit driving distracted. This means that the driver in front of you, behind you, and beside you has probably driven while distracted. Scary thought, right?
• Here is an even scarier one – you are 23 times more likely to crash if you engage in texting and driving.
• According to the MTO website, research demonstrates that “drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a collision than drivers who focus on the road. And when drivers take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds, their crash risk doubles.”
• Considering these distracted driving statistics, it’s not that surprising that the OPP recently reported that distracted driving is the number one killer on our roads, causing more deaths than impaired driving and speeding.
• It’s estimated that close to two-thirds (64%) of accidents result from a distracted driving action.
• Reaching for an object makes you nine times more likely to get into an accident.
• Distracted driving is a factor in 4 million car accidents in North America each year.
• Any road accident occurs an average of three seconds after a driver’s mind is taken off the road.
• 94% of teenagers understand the consequences of texting while driving, but 35% admit that they do it anyway.
• When polled, 77% of adults and 55% of teenage drivers say they can easily manage texting while driving.
• Distracted drivers fail to see up to 50% of the driving environment.
• 80% of collisions involved driver inattention up to 3 seconds prior, and 65% of near collisions.
• CAA polling showed 47% of Canadians admit that they have typed out or used the voice-memo feature to send a message while driving in 2021.

Distracted driving could be considered careless or dangerous driving

Being convicted of distracted driving while putting others in danger could have even more severe consequences. MTO explains:

“Drivers who endanger others because of any distraction, including handheld and hands-free devices, may still be charged with Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act or even Dangerous Driving under the Criminal Code of Canada."

If you are convicted of careless driving as a result of distracted driving:

• 6 demerit points
• Fines of up to $2,000
• Jail term of six months
• Up to two-year licence suspension

Depending on the result of driving while distracted, you could also face dangerous driving charges, which is a criminal offence:

• Up to 10 years in jail for causing bodily harm
• Up to 14 years in jail for causing death

11 tips to avoid distractions while driving

Here are 11 great tips to stop being a distracted driver:

1. Start by stowing your device: Since you know you can’t use it when driving, begin your travel by turning off your phone and putting it out of reach – such as in your glove compartment. If you’re unsure, you can resist the temptation to reach over and check.
2. Review your route: Take some time to study any maps and directions you have before you set out to drive. “Figuring it out along the way” is not an effective strategy to avoid distracted driving. After your review, CAA suggests you put all reading material in your trunk.
3. Pre-program GPS or playlist: If you have a global positioning system and know the address of your destination, program your GPS and determine your route beforehand. How is using a GPS not against the law if it’s a mobile device? As Section 78.1 of the Highway Traffic Act points out, a global positioning system navigation device is a specific exception. But programming your GPS while driving is against the law.
4. Tidy up your vehicle: Remove anything not needed for your trip and secure any loose objects. Sliding objects when you turn a corner or brake firmly can be distracting, and dangerous.
5. Preparation: Before you go, make sure children have everything they need at hand—reading materials, toys, food, and drink. And make sure you’re ready, too—including having all your grooming done before you get behind the wheel.
6. Secure pets: If you don’t have a crate or a car barrier, consider purchasing a car harness or even a car seat to prevent your pet from jumping around in the vehicle. Keeping your pet restrained is important to both your safety and that of your pet.
7. Pre-set climate control and radio: Before pulling out of the driveway, ensure that your radio pre-sets are selected and your climate control is set up.
8. Make a passenger a co-pilot: If you’ve got a passenger beside you, allow them to help you focus on driving. This can range from assisting with directions to selecting music to opening beverages for you.
9. Avoid eating and driving: While an open coffee or drink sitting next to you in a cup holder shouldn’t be much of a distraction, don’t eat or drink anything that requires you to open or unwrap it or otherwise distract you. Don’t even think of trying to eat that big and messy burger or ice cream cone while you’re behind the wheel.
10. Concentrate: Scan the road, keep checking your mirrors, and keep two hands on the wheel. This will give you better control and reduce fatigue. Don’t let roadside activities, such as a yard sale or a sign-waving clown, distract you.
11. Take breaks: As a general rule, you should stop at least every two hours to take a break from driving. Not only can you get the necessary fuel for yourself, your fellow passengers, and your vehicle, but the rest and movement can help you re-energize and refocus on the remainder of your trip.

Distracted driving laws in other provinces

Distracted driving laws in Canada vary from province to province. Currently, all 10 provinces and Northwest Territories have laws against distracted driving. Here are some interesting findings of the distracted driving laws in Canada:

• Distracted driving in Alberta has fines up to $1200.
• Nunavut is the only region in Canada with no distracted driving laws.
• First-time offence fines for distracted driving in Quebec are the lowest - $80-$100.
• The highest fines are in PEI – up to $1200.
• Manitoba and PEI have the most demerit points (5), with all other provinces having at least 3 demerit points.

How to stop distracted driving

You have a choice when you get behind the wheel. Make a smart choice and choose NOT to drive while distracted. Put the phone away, focus on the road, and keep car insurance more affordable.