Tomorrow, Ontario Changes Rules of The Road

TORONTO – Tougher penalties for certain driving violations plus increased driver and vehicle license fees in Ontario all take effect on Tuesday, Sept. 1, and the Toronto Trucking Association wants everybody to know about it. 

To that end, the organization has sent a bulletin to members outlining tougher penalties for distracted driving, new rules to protect cyclists and measures to ensure the safety of tow truck drivers. The province has also changed the rules pertaining to children riding school buses.

Penalties for distracted driving will include an increased set fine of $490 and three demerit points upon conviction. Novice drivers will receive a minimum 30-day suspension for the first conviction and longer suspensions for subsequent convictions.

According to the Ministry of Transportation (MTA), the reason for the increases is if current collision trends continue, fatalities from distracted driving may exceed those from drinking and driving by 2016. Research also indicates that a driver who uses a cell phone is four times more likely to be in a crash.

The “dooring” of cyclists will carry an increased set fine of $365 and three demerit points upon conviction. New rules will also require drivers to leave a one-meter distance where possible when passing cyclists, or they may face the penalty of a $110 set fine and two demerit points.

MTO said an estimated 1.2 million Ontarians ride a bicycle on a daily basis, however, they also have to meet certain rules to ensure their safety. Cyclists who don’t use the required bicycle lights and reflectors face a higher set fine of $110.

Drivers must leave a safe passing distance between themselves and tow trucks stopped on the roadside to provide assistance. Failing to slow down and move over for a tow truck can result in a set fine of $490.

All fines include Victim Fine Surcharge and court costs.

“Ontario’s roads are among the safest in North America, and we want to keep it that way. We will continue to work hard to curb distracted driving, protect cyclists, and improve the safety of tow truck operators and children riding school buses,” said Steven Del Duca, Ontario’s minister of transportation.

A listing of the increased fines is posted on the MTO website.

Also on Tuesday, fees for driver licenses, renewals, replacements and commercial permits are also increasing

The MTO said they are needed to help maintain the province’s road safety, support key services and improve crucial transportation infrastructure

A schedule of the increase fees can also be found on the MTO website.


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