In just a few days, drivers who use hand-held devices to talk, text, or e-mail will find themselves facing charges under the new distracted driving legislation that went into affect in October.
The three-month-long grace period ends February 1.
During the grace period, officers who stopped drivers in violation of the distracted driving law had greater leeway in the option of providing warnings instead of issuing a fine. Drivers who drove dangerously due to distraction were charged under the new law regardless of the grace period.
When the grace period ends, officers will begin issuing fines to drivers who use hand-helds while driving. The law allows fines up to $500 for residential drivers, though the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has set the initial fine at $155.
Drivers who put others at risk while using a hand-held device can be charged with dangerous driving and face additional fines up to $1,000, six demerit points, licence suspension and possibly jail time.
Drivers can use phones while driving if they use a hands-free option, such as speakerphone or headset. Additionally, emergency calls to the police, fire department, and emergency medical services will not result in a fine.
If a driver needs to use a hand-held device in his or her vehicle, it must be done while the vehicle is at a full stop and pulled off the roadway. Drivers using phones at red lights or stop signs can be fined.
Since the new law took effect on Oct. 26, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid 64 charges and warned 3,260 drivers across the province, a press release revealed.
"These charges were laid when a warning wasn't appropriate, such as for unsafe driving behaviours while using a device - crossing over lane markings, following too close, etc.," the police explained.
