TIP 7 - Avoid distracted driver penalties

8:31p.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Using your phone to talk, text, checking maps or choosing a playlist while you’re behind the wheel counts as distracted driving. In fact, simply holding a phone while driving is against the law. As well, if other activities like grooming, smoking, drinking, eating, reading or typing a destination into a GPS endanger other drivers, you can be charged with careless or dangerous driving. You can use a hands-free device (e.g. Bluetooth) but only to turn it on and off.

Penalties if settled out of court are: 1st conviction: $615 fine, 3 demerit points and a 3-day suspension. 2nd conviction: same fine but 6 demerit points and a 7-day suspension. 3rd+ conviction: same fine and demerit points but 30 day suspension. Novice drivers avoid demerit points but face longer suspensions and on 3rd conviction, license cancellation. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a highway or stopped at a red light – DISTRACTED DRIVING could cost you.