In 2024, distracted driving has become a common sight on our roads. Whether it’s someone texting and driving at a red light or holding up traffic while checking their phone at an advanced left turn, these modern distractions pose serious risks. But what many drivers might not realize are the severe penalties they face if caught, and the long-term impact a distracted driving charge can have on their insurance. In Ontario, a distracted driving conviction doesn’t just come with fines and demerit points—it can impact your Ontario car insurance premium; which can lead to significant increases in car insurance premiums.
Let’s take a look at Distracted Driving Fines or Cellphone Ticket Penalties across Canada
| Province/Territory | Fine (First Offence) | Demerit Points | License Suspension |
| Ontario | $615-$1,000 | 3-6 | 3 days (1st), 7 days (2nd), 30 days (3rd) |
| British Columbia | $368 | 4 | Yes, for multiple offences |
| Alberta | $300 | 3 | No |
| Manitoba | $672 | 5 | 3 days (1st), 7 Days (repeat) |
| Quebec | $300-$600 | 5 | 3 days (1st), 7 days (2nd), 30 days (3rd) |
| Nova Scotia | $233.95 | 4 | No |
| Prince Edward Island | $575 – $1,275 | 5 | No |
| Saskatchewan | $580 | 4 | 7 days (repeat offences) |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $300 – $500 | 4 | No |
| Northwest Territories | $322 – $644 | 3 | For Repeat Offences |
Ontario Distracted Driving Law: Penalties for Texting and Using a Phone While Driving
In Ontario, it’s illegal to use hand-held communication devices while driving, including when stopped at a red light. Fines for texting and driving start at $615 and can go up to $3,000 for repeat offenses, with license suspensions and demerit points added. Novice drivers face stricter penalties, including longer suspensions. Avoid using your phone while driving to steer clear of distracted driving tickets and penalties in Ontario.
British Columbia: Distracted Driving Law and Fines
In British Columbia, it is illegal to use hand-held electronic devices like cell phones while driving. The fine for distracted driving is $368, plus four driver penalty points, with higher penalties for repeat offenses. Texting and driving or using a phone while behind the wheel can lead to severe financial consequences and impact your driving record, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the road.
Distracted Driving Law in Alberta: Fines and Penalties for Texting and Driving
In Alberta, distracted driving laws prohibit using hand-held cell phones, GPS devices, and other electronics while driving, including at red lights. Fines for distracted driving are $300, with 3 demerit points added for each violation. Drivers can use hands-free devices, but must ensure their attention remains on the road. Avoid distractions to prevent receiving distracted driving tickets or causing traffic violations.
Distracted Driving in Manitoba: Fines for Texting and Using a Phone While Driving
Manitoba’s distracted driving law prohibits using hand-operated electronic devices, like cell phones, while driving. Drivers caught texting and driving face a three-day license suspension for a first offense, and a seven-day suspension for repeat offenses. Fines for distracted driving are $672, along with five demerit points. Additional charges apply if distractions lead to traffic violations or collisions, ensuring the roads stay safe.
Quebec: Laws and Penalties for Using a Phone While Driving
Quebec’s distracted driving law prohibits using hand-held electronic devices, such as cell phones, while driving. Fines range from $300 to $600 for a first offense, with repeat offenders facing fines up to $1,200, a license suspension, and five demerit points. Texting and driving, or using any portable electronic device, is strictly enforced in Quebec to ensure driver focus and safety on the roads.
Texting and Driving in Nova Scotia: Distracted Driving Law and Fines
In Nova Scotia, distracted driving laws have been toughened to discourage the use of hand-held phones while driving. Fines for texting and driving range from $233.95 to $578.95 for repeat offenders, and all violations come with four demerit points. This strict approach aims to reduce the number of distracted driver tickets issued, making roads safer by focusing on eliminating distractions behind the wheel.
Prince Edward Island: Fines for Using a Phone While Driving
In Prince Edward Island, it is illegal to text, dial, or use any hand-held communication device while driving. The fines for texting and driving range from $575 to $1,275, with five demerit points for offenders. New drivers under the Graduated Driver Licensing Program face additional restrictions on using any electronic devices. Ensuring you avoid distractions while driving can help you steer clear of distracted driver tickets and heavy penalties.
Saskatchewan: Texting and Driving Penalties
Saskatchewan’s distracted driving laws prohibit using, holding, or manipulating hand-held cell phones while driving. Fines start at $580 for the first offense and escalate with additional demerit points and vehicle seizures for repeat offenses. New drivers are not permitted to use hands-free devices at all. The province enforces strict penalties to reduce texting and driving and other forms of distracted driving, ensuring road safety for all.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Penalties and Fines for Texting and Driving
In Newfoundland and Labrador, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. It is illegal to use cell phones, GPS devices, or other electronics while driving. The fines for distracted drivers reach up to $1,300, and drivers causing bodily harm due to texting and driving may face imprisonment, a $26,000 fine, and a five-year license suspension. Always keep your focus on the road to avoid distracted driving tickets and severe penalties.
Northwest Territories: Fines for Using Your Phone While Driving
Distracted driving is a significant concern in the Northwest Territories. Since 2012, it’s illegal to use hand-held electronic devices, such as cell phones or GPS units, while driving. Drivers caught texting or using a phone face a $322 fine (doubled to $644 in school zones) and 3 demerit points. Repeat offenses within two years lead to escalating penalties, including driver’s license suspensions. Stay focused and avoid texting and driving to keep roads safe.
Distracted driving is not just a bad habit—it’s a dangerous and costly one. At best, it’s a major inconvenience for other road users; at worst, it leads to serious accidents causing property damage, injury, or even death. The penalties for distracted driving across Canada are severe, from heavy fines to demerit points and even license suspensions. Staying focused on the road is not just about avoiding a ticket—it’s about keeping yourself, your passengers, and others safe.
At Humberview Insurance Brokers, we specialize in providing tailored insurance solutions to meet the needs of drivers across Ontario. With our main office located in Toronto, we are dedicated to helping clients find the best coverage options for their unique situations, whether they have a clean record or require high-risk insurance. We pride ourselves on offering competitive Toronto car insurance rates and car insurance across Ontario, personalized service, and expert advice to keep you protected on the road. Contact us today for a customized quote!