The law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices. The law also prohibits drivers from viewing display screens unrelated to the driving task, such as laptops or DVD players, while driving. The use of hands-free devices is still permitted, and drivers may use hand-held devices to call 9-1-1.
'Hands-free' use means that apart from activating or deactivating the device, it is not held during use and the driver is not physically interacting with or manipulating it. Actions such as dialing or scrolling through contacts, or manually programming a GPS device, for example, are not allowed.
Drivers caught using a hand-held device will face a set fine of $225 plus a victim surcharge and court fees for a total of $280. Drivers who challenge the ticket in court face fines of up to $500.
As distracted driving becomes more and more prevalent on Ontario's streets, the laws and applicable fines will likely change, as well. The fine for distracted driving was already hiked from $155 to $280 in March, 2014, while the Road Safety Bill proposed raising the maximum fine to $1000. No doubt these laws will change as time goes on. We will update this space with details as it happens.
