What you Need to Know about Ontario’s New Distracted Driving Regulations

Feb 10, 2016
Categories: Car Insurance
Staebler blog logo
Many Ontario drivers are still unclear on the details of the “Making Ontario Roads Safer Act,” known more commonly as the “distracted driving laws.” Penalties for being busted under the new act are severe, with fines ranging anywhere from $300 up to $1,000. That’s not to mention the accumulation of demerit points and the impact on your insurance rates.
Here is what you need to know to keep on the right side of these new regulations.

Keep your hands on the wheel

Under these rules, any kind of hands-on interaction with a cell phone, MP3 player, tablet, or gaming device while at the wheel is an immediate offense. Even at red lights, in traffic jams, or on empty roads, just changing the song can cost you $300.
If you are having trouble adjusting, you may want to look into a hands-free option. Voice activated speaker phones can still be used without penalty, as can any other devices controlled with simple voice commands, while keeping both hands on the wheel.

Eyes on the prize 

Many of us are dependent on our GPS devices. This could land you in hot water if you are using your phone or similar device especially if it’s in your lap, in the drink tray, or on the passenger seat. If it makes you take your eyes off the road, it’s a problem.
GPS devices should always be mounted at dashboard level, so they can be checked without taking attention away from the road. There are plenty of aftermarket mounts out there and ten dollars spent on one of them could save you hundreds on a fine.

A few other curve balls under new regulations

How times change. In the past you could have been docked points on a driving test for waiting for pedestrians to completely clear the crosswalk instead of turning as soon as they left the lane. Today that could cost you $150 to $500.
When at a stop with pedestrians crossing, you need to make sure they are touching the other sidewalk before proceeding. Yes, it can be frustrating to those who lack patience, but getting slapped with a huge fine is even more infuriating.
While you’re probably already familiar with the Steer Clear laws involving police officers and emergency responders at the side of the road, they’ve now been expanded to tow trucks and cyclists with fines starting at $490. Make sure to give anyone stuck in a vulnerable position on the side of the road a wide berth so long as it is safe to do so. It’s the polite and safe thing to do. Slow down and move over!
You should also know that the penalties for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol have also been stiffly increased under the new act.
Now you know…..be safe out there!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

American Vehicles lead list of Worst Cars on the Road

Electronic Immobilizers

Electronic Immobilizers have been installed in all new vehicles in Canada since 2007. They are having a significant effect in reducing car thefts, so the vast majority of vehicles stolen in Canada are older. The immobilizers can be retrofitted into older vehicles....

read more
American Vehicles lead list of Worst Cars on the Road

Are you Prepared for Winter Driving?

We've got the first few snow falls behind us and many more ahead. Most drivers will prepare for the winter with the basics; winter tires, winter windsheild fluid, scrapers and brushes. A recent Canadian Automobile Association survey shows only 36% of Canadian...

read more
American Vehicles lead list of Worst Cars on the Road

Gas Price Disconnect between Canada & the U.S.

Ever wonder about the difference in gasoline prices between Canada and the United States? We've found an interesting article that explains the disconnect. Click here to read the article and find out more. Don't forget to choose Staebler Insurance Brokers to be your...

read more
American Vehicles lead list of Worst Cars on the Road

Ontario Auto Reform

On September 1, 2010 the Ontario Automobile Policy is changing coverage options for Accident Benefits in order to help stabilize rates, control costs and to provide flexibility and choice. We're writing to let you know about these changes and to give you the...

read more