On January 1, 2019 the penalties for distracted driving are increasing. Since 2009 Ontario motorists have been prohibited from using hand held communication devices.

In a Saugeen Shores Police media release, statistics show that the use of such devices greatly increases the chance of being involved in a collision and in response the province has imposed escalating sanctions throughout the years.

Currently if caught using a hand held device an offender can expect a $490 fine and three demerit points.

The new escalating sanctions include increased fines and a suspension of your driver’s licence upon conviction. The officer will not have the option of simply issuing a ticket at the roadside. As of the new year the offender will receive a summons with a court date where fines for a first offence can be high as $1,000.

The Saugeen Shores Police will be conducting an ongoing campaign through education and enforcement until the new year. Motorists will see our officers posted throughout Saugeen Shores in reflective gear on foot enforcing distracted driving laws at intersections and other designated areas.

New penalties for A, B, C, D, E, F and/or G license beginning January 1, 2019:

First conviction:
- fine of up to $1,000
- three demerit points
- three-day day driver’s licence suspension

Second conviction within 5 years:
- fine of up to $2,000
- six demerit points
- seven-day driver’s licence suspension