Saying that texting behind the wheel is as serious as drunk driving, the Ontario government will soon increase its distracted driving fine to one of the highest in Canada.
Ontario will match Saskatchewan’s fine of $280 on March 18, up from the current $155 penalty.
Prince Edward Island and Yukon also have distracted driving fees of over $250. In P.E.I. and Newfoundland, some drivers can be slapped with a maximum fine of $400.
This is the first time Ontario has increased the fine amount since introducing a ban on handheld devices in October 2009.
Despite the ban, the number of distracted driving accidents and fatalities is on the rise, the province’s Transportation Minister Glen Murray said Tuesday.
He told Toronto’s CP24 that the fine increase is about saving lives, not going after drivers’ pocketbooks.
With the exception of Nunavut, every province and territory enforces some type of distracted driving law. Here is the cross-country fine breakdown:
British Columbia: $167
Alberta: $172
Saskatchewan: $280
Manitoba: $200
Quebec: $115-$154
Newfoundland and Labrador: $100-$400
Prince Edward Island: $250-$400
Nova Scotia: $164-$337 (depending on previous offences)
New Brunswick: $172.50
Yukon: $250
Northwest Territories: $100
(Source: CAA)
