Distracted driving Ontario

When you get behind the wheel, a simple mistake can cost you more than a fine. It takes a quick text, a missed signal, or a brief glance away from the road to change everything. With lives at stake, every second matters, so you must always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Distracted driving collisions contribute to over 10% of road fatalities and nearly 25% of serious accidents across Ontario, making it the number one cause of preventable accidents. In 2022, the province recorded 105 distracted-driving-related deaths. To combat the risks of distracted driving, Ontario enforces distracted driving laws that ban the use of phones and other devices while driving.

Keep reading to learn more about what counts as distracted driving, what the penalties are, and how to avoid distractions on the road.

What Does Distracted Driving Mean?

Distracted driving is engaging in any activity that takes your mind off driving, your hands off the wheel, or your eyes off the road. These distractions can affect your ability to react quickly to sudden traffic changes and may be considered careless driving under Ontario’s traffic laws. Talking, texting, reading, watching videos, listening to podcasts or loud music, and personal grooming are all considered types of distracted driving and can put you and others on the road at serious risk.

What Are the Primary Types of Distracted Driving?

The four main types of driving distractions are visual distractions, auditory distractions, manual distractions, and cognitive distractions. Although each of these types affects your driving differently, all of them can lead to hefty fines, serious penalties, and catastrophic accidents.

Visual Distractions

The most common form of visually distracted driving is looking at a phone screen. Texting while driving, checking a notification, or even quickly changing a song can take your eyes off the road for several seconds, enough to miss a stop sign or fail to react to sudden traffic changes.

Other examples of visually distracted driving are:

Checking the GPS and adjusting it.
Rubbernecking at accidents.
Watching videos on a mounted device or display screen.
Turning to check on things in the back seat.
Reading billboards or ads.

Auditory Distractions

Auditory distractions are any noise or sounds that take your attention away from driving and distract you from focusing on the road. Although your eyes might be on the road, your mind can be elsewhere, making it hard to react quickly to unexpected traffic movements.

Below are some examples of what’s considered to be auditory distractions:

Kids crying or talking in the back seat.
Listening to loud music or podcasts.
Taking phone calls, even with a hands-free device.
Talking with passengers.
Notifications from mobile devices.

Manual Distractions

Manual distractions are anything that makes the driver take their hands off the steering wheel, even for a moment. A distracted driver can easily lose control of the vehicle, especially in situations that require quick reactions such as sudden steering, braking, or avoiding obstacles.

Manual distractions in Ontario include:

Eating or drinking.
Texting while driving.
Personal grooming, such as applying makeup or styling your hair.
Smoking or vaping.
Searching for items in the back seat or the glove compartment.
Adjusting the A/C or the radio manually.
Opening a package or a purse while driving.
Using electronic entertainment devices.

Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions are anything that takes your mind off focusing on the road ahead. These distractions can affect how quickly you react to what’s happening around you, especially when the situation requires snap decisions.

Examples of cognitive distractions include:

Daydreaming, worrying, or mentally drifting.
Listening to podcasts or audiobooks.
Talking to passengers.
Driving while anxious, stressed, upset, or exhausted.
Talking or fighting with someone over the phone.

Distracted Driving Statistics: How Many Car Crashes Happen Each Year?

According to the Preliminary 2023 Ontario Road Safety Annual Report, inattentive driving was responsible for 64 deaths in Ontario, 10.4% of the total road fatalities in 2023. In 2022, the province had 105 deaths due to distracted driving, so it’s clear the problem isn’t going away despite the province’s efforts to reduce it by enforcing distracted driving laws.

Distracted and Careless Driving Fatalities in Ontario (2019–2023)

2019: 95 fatalities – 16.3% of total road deaths.
2020: 74 fatalities – 14.0% of total road deaths.
2021: 94 fatalities – 17.4% of total road deaths.
2022: 105 fatalities – 17.9% of total road deaths.
2023: 64 fatalities – 10.4% of total road deaths.

Ontario’s Distracted Driving Legislation: Laws and Rules

It’s against the law in Ontario to use communication or entertainment devices while driving a motor vehicle. For example, you can’t use your phone or smartwatch whether you’re driving or stopped at a red light. This applies to other types of driver distractions like adjusting the A/C or radio, programming the GPS while driving, personal grooming or anything that takes your attention away from driving.

What Are the Penalties for Distracted Driving in Ontario?

Distracted driving penalties in Ontario are to prevent risky driving behaviour and promote safe driving habits. Drivers who are convicted of distracted driving will face big fines, strict penalties, and possible licence suspension depending on the number of offences.

Penalties for Fully Licensed Drivers (A to G licences):

First Conviction: You can face a fine of up to $1,000, three demerit points, and a 3-day driver’s licence suspension.
Second Conviction: If convicted for the second time, you can get a fine up to $2,000, six demerit points and 7-day licence suspension.
Third Conviction and Subsequent Convictions: Third-time offenders get a fine up to $3,000, six demerit points and a 30-day licence suspension. This applies to the third offence and subsequent offences.

If you pay the fine out of court, you’ll pay a total of $615, including court fees and victim surcharge. But if you fight the ticket in court and get convicted, the fine can be $1,000 for the first offence, $2,000 for the second and $3,000 for the third offence. In both cases, the licence suspension and demerit points will still apply and show on your driving record.

Penalties for Novice Drivers (G1, G2, M1, M2 Licences):

First Conviction: Novice drivers can face a fine of up to $1,000 and a 30-day licence suspension for their first offence.
Second Conviction: Second offenders face a fine of up to 2,000 and a 90-day licence suspension.
Third and Subsequent Convictions: The Third time a novice driver is convicted of distracted driving, they will have their licence cancelled and removed from the Graduated Licensing System (GLS). They will have to start the licensing process all over again.

Novice drivers don’t get demerit point fines for distracted driving but are subject to Ontario’s zero tolerance. So, even a first offence can get the same fines as fully licensed drivers but with longer suspensions and heavier penalties for subsequent offences.

Readmore:

What Are the Exceptions to the Distracted Driving Laws?

Ontario’s rules regarding distracted driving are very strict to prevent driver inattention and reduce the risk of accidents. Using a handheld device is completely prohibited under the Highway Traffic Act. With that said, there are a few exceptions where limited use of hand-held devices is allowed:

You can use your phone to contact 9-1-1 in case of emergencies, provided that you’ve safely pulled over to the side of the road.
You may use your phone only if you’re lawfully parked; waiting at a red light doesn’t count as parking.
Emergency drivers and public transit drivers can use some communication tools as part of their duties, such as megaphones and walkie-talkies.

Although these exceptions exist, violating distracted driving laws can lead to serious charges and criminal offences, especially when the offence causes bodily harm.

Is Using a Hands-Free Device Considered Distracted Driving?

Using hands-free devices is legal for fully licensed Ontario drivers, but it can still be considered distracted driving if it takes your attention away from the road.

The Ministry of Transportation allows the use of hands-free devices as follows:

You can use a cell phone with an earpiece only if it’s operated with voice commands without touching or holding your phone. The phone should be completely out of your hands.
You may use a mounted device, such as a phone or a GPS, only for navigation purposes, and the device should be securely fixed to your dashboard, away from your hands.
You can use a portable media player or a radio, but you should set the playlist before driving as you aren’t allowed to touch it once you hit the road.
You can use voice-activated technology like Siri, Google Assistant, or built-in car systems as long as you only use it when necessary, and it doesn’t divert your attention from the road.

Can a Distracted Driving Ticket Affect My Insurance in Ontario?

Besides the fines and penalties you’ll face for distracted driving, a single ticket can increase your insurance premiums because it makes insurance providers view you as a higher-risk driver. You may think that checking your mobile phone for a minute is simple, but in fact, it’s as serious as other traffic violations like speeding or running a red light.

On average, your insurance rates will increase by 15% to 25% after your first distracted-driving charge in Ontario. This increase in your insurance rate can remain for as long as the offence shows on your driving record, typically between 3 and 5 years. If you are convicted of distracted driving multiple times, your insurer may refuse to renew your policy, which means that you can’t legally drive in Ontario.

Is it Worth Fighting a Cell Phone Ticket in Ontario?

Fighting a cell phone ticket is essential to protect your driving record and avoid huge fines and higher insurance rates, especially if you believe that you’ve been unfairly charged. Contesting the ticket in court can give you a chance to challenge the evidence and negotiate reduced penalties if possible.

However, if you are caught breaking distracted driving laws and the evidence against you is clear, fighting the ticket won’t be successful, and you’ll end up paying a higher fine and additional court fees.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so avoiding distracted driving altogether is the way to go for protecting your safety, others’ safety, and your driving record.

Is Distracted Driving the Same as Careless Driving and Dangerous Driving in Ontario?

Many drivers think that distracted driving, careless driving, and dangerous driving refer to the same thing. Although all of them are serious traffic violations, they are different under Ontario law, and each of them carries different penalties.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving refers to the action of engaging in any activity that takes your hand off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your attention away from driving. Distracted driving collisions can happen due to many reasons, including texting, talking, mentally drifting, and using electronic entertainment devices while driving. Distracted driving in Ontario is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act, and it carries penalties, such as fines, licence suspension, and up to six demerit points fines.

Careless Driving

Careless driving in Ontario is a broader term and a more serious offense, also included under the Highway Traffic Act. It means operating a motor vehicle without paying attention to the driving environment and other people on the road. If you’re convicted of careless driving, you can face fines up to $2,000, demerit points, licence suspension, and jail time if you injure someone.

Dangerous Driving

Dangerous driving is the most serious offence among these three and is classified as a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. It involves actions like excessive speeding, street racing, and other risky behaviours that can put your life and others’ in danger. Dangerous driving carries heavier penalties, including a criminal record, fines, imprisonment, vehicle impoundment, licence suspension, and a major increase in your insurance premiums.

Why Should You Avoid Distractions While Driving?

Not focusing on the road while driving is dangerous, and if you’re caught breaking distracted driving laws in Ontario, you’ll face serious consequences, including fines and severe penalties. Even a single offence can remain on your driving record for years, leading to increased insurance rates and even difficulties in renewing your auto insurance in Ontario. If you’re convicted of distracted driving more than once, that could result in licence suspensions, demerit points, and long-term damage to your driving reputation.

The Best Ways to Avoid Distracted Driving in Ontario

Before you start driving:

Program your GPS and ensure you set it to the right destination to avoid adjusting it while driving.
If you love listening to music, create your playlist to avoid reaching for your cell phone mid-trip.
Put your cell phone on silent mode and keep it out of reach.
Pre-set climate control and A/C before you hit the road
If you’re driving with kids, talk to them about the importance of being focused while driving and ensure they have everything they need before you start the car.
If you have a pet in your car, ensure they are safely secured in a crate, carrier, or with a pet seatbelt harness.

While You’re Driving:

Don’t answer any phone calls. If your phone rings, let the calls go to voicemail or use a hands-free mode if it’s an emergency.
Don’t text, check notifications, or scroll through social media, even if you’re waiting at a red light or stuck in traffic.
Don’t use electronic entertainment devices or interact with display screens while driving, not even for a second.
Don’t talk so much with your passengers and stay focused on the road.
Avoid personal grooming, rubbernecking, or reaching for items in the car.

Many of these actions may seem harmless, but it only takes one look away from the road—just one moment of distraction—to cause a serious accident. That split second can be the difference between arriving safely and a life-changing collision.

Distracted Driving, Ontario – FAQs

What are the 4 types of distracted driving?

The four types of distracted driving are visual, auditory, manual, and cognitive distractions. Each type affects your ability to drive safely by taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving.

What are the fines and penalties for distracted driving in Ontario?

For fully licensed drivers, penalties include:

Fines up to $1,000 for a first offence, along with 3 demerit points and a 3-day licence suspension. Repeat offences can result in higher fines (up to $3,000), 6 demerit points, and up to 30-day licence suspension.

For novice drivers:

The same fines apply, but instead of demerit points, they face up to a 90-day licence suspension and removal from the Graduated Licensing System.

In what other ways are drivers distracted if they are not using their phones?

Besides cell phones, drivers can be distracted by display screens, eating or drinking, personal grooming, adjusting the radio or the A/C, or even mentally drifting. Any activity that diverts your attention away from the road is a distraction, and it can lead to dangerous consequences.

How does being distracted affect your driving?

Being distracted while driving can slow down your reaction to sudden traffic changes, cause you to miss important signs or signals, and increase the risk of lane drifting or collisions. Even a quick text can lead to catastrophic collisions that cause serious bodily harm, especially in peak hours.

How can you avoid distractions?

You can avoid driving distractions by silencing your phone, setting your radio and A/C in advance, avoiding using hand-held devices while on the road, and keeping both hands on the wheel at all times.

Related Blogs:

No comments found.