HUB Insurance Hunter's Summary on Distracted Driving Laws in Ontario
There is no doubt that distracted driving is a hot button topic. The dangers of distracted driving are well documented and we are increasingly seeing more and more awareness campaigns that are dedicated to helping to stop distracted driving in its tracks.
Even though distracted driving is now the number one killer on our roads today, drivers in the province have been slow to adjust their perception of distracted driving and, more importantly, have been slow to adjust their driving habits and eliminate distracted driving actions when behind the wheel. Even though the law came into effect on October 26th, 2009 and drivers have had ample time to adjust their driving habits, there is no shortage of drivers on the road right now using their phone or texting and driving and this needs to stop.
Understanding the Distracted Driving Laws in Ontario
While distracted driving is an inclusive and far reaching behavioural driving issue, the current laws in Ontario only deal with handheld electronic devices – perhaps calling into question the need to review the definition of the law in Ontario.
Therefore, while things like eating while driving, reaching in the back seat for an item, or playing with the car radio are all forms of distracted driving, they are not addressed by current laws as they are written. But, this doesn’t mean that you should engage in these practices while driving.
DID YOU KNOW? The word “distracted” does not appear in the current law.
The current laws outlawing distracted driving practices are outlined in section 78 and 78.1 of the Highway Traffic Act.
In Short – What You Can and Can’t Do Behind the Wheel
Here are the things that you are NOT permitted to do when operating a motor vehicle:
- Use a cell phone and other mobile devices
- Text or email
- Use laptops, DVD players, and tablets that are unrelated to driving activities
- Manually program a GPS
Here are actions that you ARE permitted to do when driving:
- Use wireless devices, Bluetooth, earpieces and headsets
- View GPS display screens that are mounted in your vehicle
- Call 911 in case of emergency
You could even face a fine if you are caught holding your phone in your hand while driving, so it’s best to just put your phone down and out of sight before driving.
Changes Looming – Increase in Distracted Driving Fines Proposed by Ontario Government
Currently, drivers convicted of distracted driving face a fine of up to $280, but Ontario motorists could see this fine increased as early as this Fall. The Liberal provincial government has plans to table a bill that would see the fine for distracted driving increase to a maximum of $1000 as well as three demerit points. This would make distracted driving fines in Ontario the steepest in the country.