Human Resources Legislative Update
Increased Penalties for Cell Phone Use While Driving In Force January 1, 2019
Date: October 30, 2018
Changes to the Highway Traffic Act enacted by Bill 174, the Cannabis, Smoke Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017 which relate to cell phone use while driving are coming into force on January 1, 2019.
Beginning on January 1, 2019, penalties will increase as set out below for conviction of the offence of driving while a display screen is visible to the driver, or driving while holding a hand-held wireless communication device or similar device:
- the fine for a first offence is a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $1000, with a suspension of the driver’s licence for two days,
- for a first subsequent offence, the fine is a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $2,000, with a suspension of the driver’s licence for seven days, and
- for a second or additional subsequent offence, the fine is a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $3000 with a suspension of the driver’s licence for 30 days.
