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Written by Kayla Jane Barrie Updated on Feb 25, 2025 9 mins read

Blog What You Need To Know About Texting And Driving In Ontario

Ontario texting and driving fines, penalties and why you shouldn't do it

The dangers of texting and driving cannot be overstated. Texting while driving is a serious issue on roads. It is one of the leading causes of car accidents, injuries, and deaths on roadways.

Do you need to send that text right now – when driving? While we all know the answer to this question, countless drivers still choose to text while driving and put themselves and others in danger.

Texting and driving accidents happen all the time. On any given day, no matter where you are going, you can come across another driver texting and driving.

This post will discuss the dangers of texting and driving, look at statistics, facts, fines, and laws, and answer common questions about this dangerous driving practice. This risky behaviour can also affect your car insurance quotes.

Three main takeaways about texting and driving

  • The penalty for this offence is $615, and you may face vehicle suspension and demerits.
  • A fine can be up to $2,000 for a second conviction, and up to $3,000 for a third conviction.
  • Texting and driving is one of the biggest threats to road safety.

What is texting and driving?

Texting and driving is the act of writing, reading, and sending text messages or emails using your phone while driving a vehicle. It is a form of distracted driving, and it is illegal. Drivers caught texting while driving are subject to fines and demerit points.

This means you cannot use your phone when operating a vehicle. There is no sending, receiving or reading texts, checking email, or surfing the web. You could even get a ticket if you are holding your cell phone in your hand while driving, even if you are not using it. So, it’s best to put your phone away to avoid even the temptation of picking it up when behind the wheel.

Texting and driving statistics 2024

Here are some very telling statistics on accidents caused by texting and driving:

  • Canadians say texting and driving is one of the biggest threats to their safety on the road, according to CAA.
  • The National Safety Council, in 2021, found that using a mobile phone while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes annually. They also found the percentage of drivers manipulating hand-held electronic devices has increased by 127%, from 1.5% in 2012 to 3.4% in 2021.
  • Texting and driving make an accident 23 times more likely.
  • Dialing your phone increases your chances of an accident by 2.8 times.
  • 1 in 5 drivers confess to surfing the web while driving.
  • 47% of Canadians admit to typing or using voice memos to send a message while driving.
  • 33% of Canadians admit to texting and driving while stopped at a red light.
  • 26% of all crashes involve phone use.
  • Smartphones are the most common form of distraction for drivers.
  • 94% of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, but 35% of those admitted to still doing it.
  • 25% of teens report that answer a text once or more every time they drive.
  • Texting while driving results in 400% more time with a driver’s eyes off the road.
  • 77% of adults and 55% of teen drivers believe they can easily manage to text while simultaneously navigating the road.
  • At any given time throughout the day, approximately 660,000 drivers are attempting to use their phones while behind the wheel of an automobile.
  • Drivers are 4% more likely to get into an accident while talking on the phone and driving.
  • Drivers who used a hand-held phone increased their crash risk by 2 to 3.5 times compared to model drivers, defined as being alert, attentive, and sober.

Important facts about texting and driving

Still not convinced about the dangers of texting while driving? Check out these texting and driving facts from TeenSafe:

  • It takes only 3 seconds for a crash to occur after a driver’s attention has been diverted.
  • Making even the most basic text takes 5 seconds of your attention off the road when you text and drive. You’ll drive about the length of a football field in about 5 seconds.
  • Fear of missing out (FOMO) is one of the main reasons it’s so difficult to resist checking texts while driving.
  • It takes 27 seconds to get back into driving mode after using a hands-free device.
  • An incoming text notification will increase dopamine levels. This creates a compulsion to check your phone, even though we know it is dangerous.

What is the fine for texting and driving in Ontario?

Ontario's minimum fine for texting and driving is $615 for the first conviction. The maximum fine is $3000.

The texting and driving laws fall under the distracted driving laws in the province. If you are caught for texting and driving tickets, you are subject to the same penalties.

Drivers caught in their first texting and driving accident can expect these fines, according to the Government of Ontario. If you have an A, B, C, D, E, F, G and/or M licence, you’ll face bigger penalties when convicted of texting and driving:

First conviction

  • If you settle out of court, the fine for the offence is $615. This amount includes a victim surcharge and the court fee.
  • However, if you decide to fight the ticket in court and lose, or if you receive a summons, the fine can go up to $1,000.
  • Additionally, you will receive three demerit points and a 3-day suspension.

Second conviction

  • If you settle the court fine out of court, you will be charged $615, which includes a victim surcharge and court fee.
  • If you receive a summons or fight the ticket in court and lose, the fine can be up to $2,000.
  • In addition to the fine, a penalty of six demerit points will be added to your driver's licence.
  • If the offence is serious, you may also face a 7-day suspension.

Third and any further conviction(s)

  • A fine of $615 if you settle out of court. This includes a victim surcharge and the court fee.
  • A fine of up to $3,000 if you receive a summons or fight the ticket in court and lose.
  • Six demerit points will be added to your driving record.
  • You will face a 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, you’ll face longer suspensions:

  • For a first conviction, you will face a 30-day licence suspension.
  • If you are convicted a second time, you will face a 90-day licence suspension.
  • A third conviction will result in the cancellation of your licence and removal from the Ontario’s Graduated Driver's Licencing System. To regain your licence, you will have to redo the program to get your licence.

You may also be subject to a larger fine and additional charges, such as careless driving, if you are found to endanger others while texting and driving. If you are fined, you will likely see an impact on your car insurance from texting and driving.

What are the dangers of texting and driving?

Numerous texting while driving studies have been conducted, and it’s clear that getting a texting while driving ticket is not the only danger of using your phone when driving. You could get into an at-fault accident, lose control of your vehicle and cause serious injury or even kill someone – including yourself.

Getting a texting and driving ticket is only one of the many dangers of texting and driving :

Why you shouldn't text while you are driving

Choosing to not text and drive is beneficial for you and all other drivers. Here are the top benefits of not texting and driving:

  • Fewer accidents: If more drivers would focus on the road, there would be fewer accidents.
  • Increased road safety: Road safety overall would increase. Drivers would be more aware of their surroundings.
  • Reduce risk: There is a reduced risk for yourself, other drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and anyone else using roads in the province.
  • Keep a clean driving record: Choosing not to text and drive, reduces the odds of car crashes, helping to maintain your clean driving record and keep Toronto car insurance costs low.
  • Setting a good example: Choosing to not text and drive sets a good example for passengers, children, and other drivers - lead by example.

How many deaths a year are caused by texting and driving?

Texting and driving deaths are a serious issue. They are also preventable. In addition to causing more than half a million injuries each year, it’s estimated that about 11 teens die every day as a result of texting and driving. And this is just teens – about 4000 total deaths per year in the U.S.!

Source: www.edgarsnyder.com

How do you report texting and driving?

If you witness a driver engaging in texting and driving or other dangerous driving actions, you can report them to your local police department. If you are driving on the highway, you can report them to the OPP.

If there is immediate danger, call 911. If there is no immediate danger, you can file a report on your local police station website. Make sure to get the vehicle details, including the license plate number.

Why are so many teens texting while driving?

Teens have become synonymous with texting and driving. A significant percentage of teen drivers are continuing to text and drive, despite the well-known dangers of the illegal activity.

The Ontario-based Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) released a report indicating that a large percentage of students are texting and driving.

High school students who text while driving

  • Grades 10 to 12: More than 33% of in grades 10 to 12 say they have texted while driving at least once in the past year.
  • Grade 12 only: For students in grade 12, the number climbed to 46% who have texted while driving.

Dr. Robert Mann, Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator at CAMH, stated:

We asked about texting while driving because research shows this is very dangerous behaviour. We were surprised to find that so many young people take this risk.

In reporting on the results of the 2013 Ontario Students Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS), a CBC article includes a link to video of CBC’s John Northcott, who comments on the numbers:

When you realize that the increase and the possibility of an accident when driving and texting increases twenty-fold, this is why they are concerned about this.
The irony here is that they seem to have the message on drinking and driving, yet they don’t realize that in terms of impairment, in terms of your ability to control the vehicle, texting is and can be just as bad as a few drinks, stated Mr. Northcott.

Another study, this one by Public Health Ontario, found a similar trend in the number of teens who text and drive. The study found:

  • Sometimes: 40.5% of teens sometimes read texts and 32.6% send texts while driving.
  • Almost always: About 6% almost always read texts, and about 4% almost always sent texts while driving.
  • Always: About 1% always read and send texts while driving.

Caught texting? Compare quotes to find cheaper insurance

While traffic tickets come with hefty fines, the repercussions extend further—you could experience a significant hike in your auto insurance premium. To secure the most affordable rate, use Thinkinsure to explore coverage options and compare multiple quotes.

black vehicle parked outside house

What are the main reasons people text and drive?

Despite knowing the risks, many drivers continue to use their phones while driving. Here are some reasons why.

  • We think we are good multitaskers.
  • We have a need to be constantly connected.
  • We are addicted to our phones.
  • We don’t think it can happen to us.
  • We get bored when driving and we have short attention spans.

The Public Health Ontario study, while geared toward young drivers, still sheds some light as to why people still text and drive:

What are the top reasons people read texts while driving?

  • Looking for directions.
  • They think the incoming message is important.
  • Because the message is coming from someone they deem important.
  • Non-stressful traffic conditions.
  • Work-related message.
  • An unexpected message.
  • They are driving at low speed.
  • Good weather conditions.

What are the top reasons people send texts while driving?

  • They are at a stoplight.
  • They need directions.
  • They need to send an important message.
  • No police in sight.
  • They think it is safe to send a message.
  • To report a medical emergency.
  • No traffic.

What is being done to prevent texting and driving?

It is widely recognized that all forms of distracted driving are a safety risk. Here are some of the things that are being done about texting and driving:

  • Awareness campaigns: Creating awareness about the danger of texting and driving is paramount. Many local, national, and online groups are working to spread the word about the risks associated with texting while driving.
  • Police Blitz: The police frequently run texting blitz campaigns to catch drivers texting and driving.
  • Stiffer penalties: Texting and driving laws continue to change. Fines and penalties are increasing.
  • Education: Driver training and educational programs are being amended to educate new and young drivers about safe driving practices.

What are the best tips to prevent texting and driving?

Preventing texting and driving starts with you, the driver. It’s up to you to choose not to engage in texting and driving when you get behind the wheel. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is dedicate yourself to being a safe driver.

Here are some ways you can minimize the temptation to text and drive:

  • Turn your phone off: Turn your phone off or put it on silent mode when you are driving.
  • Keep your phone out Of Reach: Put your phone out of reach so you won't be tempted to use it.
  • Give your phone up: Give your phone to a passenger in your car and let them do your texting.
  • Set up auto text while driving: This phone feature will automatically respond to text messages when you are driving.

What are the best apps to prevent texting and driving?

An additional texting and driving prevention tip is to use a prevention app. These apps can block calls, read texts and emails out loud, are hands-free, and offer customized options to ensure you do what is most important – focusing on driving.

You can use an app to turn off texting while driving. These apps are available for iPhone and Android devices. Apps to prevent texting are becoming more popular. Choose the app you find most effective.

If you have trouble keeping your hands off your phone when driving, try one of these apps:

Texting and driving FAQs

Yes. It is illegal to text while at a red light, stop sign, and when stopped in traffic. You are not permitted to use your phone when your vehicle is in motion or stopped while driving.

Texting and driving has become the number one road safety risk today. It’s a leading cause of car accident injuries and deaths. Texting while driving is 6 times more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk. Fatalities related to drinking and driving are on the decline as deaths related to texting and driving are on the rise.

There are many ways police catch drivers who are texting and driving. They perform distracted driving blitz campaigns, rely on other drivers reports, and observe traffic.

Distracted driving, and the use of mobile devices while driving, officially became illegal in Ontario in 2009.

Take the no texting while driving pledge

Many organizations encourage drivers to take a no texting while driving pledge. Have you taken the pledge? Even if you don’t formally take the pledge, you can commit to not texting while driving. Every driver who chooses to avoid the temptation to text will help make our roads safe for all.

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