Distracted Driving Law by GDA - Online Toronto Driving School

Distraction and inattention are a form of psychological impairment. This distraction occurs when a driver's mind isn't focused on driving. They lessen your ability to drive safely and alertly and increase driving risk. Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted away from driving because they are focused on something non-driving related.

Examples: Talking on a cell phone, texting, reading a device screen, watching videos or movies, eating/drinking, personal grooming, adjusting the GPS/radio/CD player, playing extremely loud music, and tending to kids in the back seat all qualify as distracted driving. Even talking to passengers and driving while fatigued (mentally and/or physically) are considered forms of distracted driving.  

In this short video, Janice Golding reports on the tougher law being put in place by the Ontario Government.   Toronto News TV visited our Driving School and conducted an interview with our in-class driving instructor SIAMAK ROSTAMIAN about distractions in the vehicles. 

Drivers with A B, C, D, E, F and/or G licences, starting January 1, 2019, WILL FACE

 First Conviction

Second Conviction Within 5 Years

Third and all Subseqent
Conditions within 5 Years 

A  fine of up to

$1,000

A fine of up to

$2,000

A fine of up to

$3,000

Three
demerit points

Six
demerit points

Six
demerit points

A three-day
day driver’s licence suspension

A seven-day driver’s licence suspension

A 30-day
driver’s licence suspension

Penalties for novice drivers (subject to the Graduated Licensing program) will be subject to escalating sanctions:

First Conviction

Second Conviction 
within 5 Years

Third Conviction

A 30-days
licence suspension for a first conviction

A 90-day
licence suspension for a second conviction

Cancellation
of your licence and removal from the Graduated Licensing System (GLS)