Distracted driving is still a big problem in Ontario. It is one of the most common cases of provincial offence. Since the law banning drivers from using distracting electronic devices was passed in February, Ontario provincial police have issued 2,279 distracted driving charges. It seems like drivers are not getting the message when it comes to distracted driving. Last month, Toronto provincial police issued 4,400 provincial offence drivers in the first three months of enforcing the new law.
The three most common type of charges under the new distracted driving law are:
- Holding a communication device,
- Using a handheld entertainment device
- Looking at a display screen.
Ontario Drivers caught using one of these electronic communications to do things such as texting or talking while driving face a fine of $155. Moreover, if the police officer deems it proper, they could lay more serious charges such as careless driving or dangerous driving. The maximum fine for a ticket is $500. Tickets must be served within 30 days of the distracted driving offence. If you are served with one, you should pay it within 15 days of its receipt. The easiest way to deal with your distracted driving ticket is to pay your fine to the relevant authority. Payment of your fines means you are admitting your guilt, but it in most cases it will not result in a criminal record. If you do not pay the fine within this time limit, they may receive a Provincial Offence Notice Part III, which is a court summons.
Distracted drivers are dangerous because they are the ones that travel at irregular speed, and are all over the road, interfering with other drivers who have their children in the car and want to drive sensibly and reach their destination safely.