Since October 26th 2009 the Province of Ontario has banned hand held devices while driving. As of February 1st 2010 the fine for driving while using a hand held is $280 but drivers who receive a summons to court or who contest the ticket may face a fine of up to $500. There are no demerit points associated with an offence.
If the use of your cell phone while driving or even hands dree device and you endanger others you may also be charged with careless driving which results in six demerit points, and fine of up to $2,000 or a jail term of six months.
Does it affect my insurance?
Yes. If convicted for using a hand held device while driving it will have an effect on your insurance, as it is considered a minor conviction.
The effect on Toronto Car Insurance – an Example.
To give you an idea of what a handheld ticket charge does to your car insurance below you will find the details of a fictional person with a clean recording living in Toronto, showing you what they were paying before and what they are paying after receiving an talking and driving ticket.
Before Ticket
| Postal Code: | M6R (Toronto) |
| Vehicle: | 2013 Toyota Prius 5DR |
| Insured for: | $1,000 All Perils ~ $2 million liability |
| Age: | 40 years old |
| Gender: | Female |
| Driving to work: | 10 km |
| KM Annually: | 15,000 |
| Premium: | $1,846 Per Year / $158.45 a month |
After Ticket
| Postal Code: | M6R (Toronto) |
| Vehicle: | 2013 Toyota Prius 5DR |
| Insured for: | $1,000 All Perils ~ $2 million liability |
| Age: | 40 years old |
| Gender: | Female |
| Driving to work: | 10 km |
| KM Annually: | 15,000 |
| Premium: | $2,152 Per Year / $184.71 a month |
As a result the driver’s premium increased $306 a year! This is as result of losing the conviction free discount the driver previously had. This is also not the case for every driver and is just a broad example. Other discounts may be factored in or a combination of convictions and claims could result in higher premiums and referral to the facility market.
Get An Instant Quote Online for Car Insurance with a driving with a handheld conviction.
If you have received a distracted driving ticket and require a quote on car insurance click to get an instant online quote or contact us directly to speak with a broker.
At Humberview Insurance we can provide Ontario drivers with car insurance options. Wheter you are a driver with a clean record or drivers with tickets, convictions, claims and suspensions. Contact us today for a quote.
More information regarding distracted driving available at the Ministry of Transportation