Today marks stiffer road fines for drivers in Ontario, part of the provincial government’s efforts to make roads safer.
For those convicted of distracted driving, they now face a minimum fine of $490 (an increase of $210 from the previous $280 fine) and three demerit points.
OPP Sgt. Dave Rektor told CBC News “Since 2009, more than 500 people have died in collisions in OPP-controlled roads, in which driver inattention was a causal factor,” adding “Statistically speaking, distracted driving has exceeded impaired driving as a causal factor in fatal collisions.”

Here are some other changes effective today:
- Dooring cyclists or vehicles: drivers who open doors without looking causing bikes to crash into them face a new minimum fine of $365 and 3 demerit points
- Passing cyclists: New $110 minimum fine and 2 demerits; drivers must pass with at least 1 metre; fine jumps to $180 in community safety zones
- Bicycle lighting: Cyclists without proper bike lights and reflectors face a fine of $110 (up from $20)
- Tow trucks: Drivers now need to slow down and make room for these vehicles, like they do emergency vehicles, or face a $490 fine.
What do you think of these new updated fines in Ontario?
Other articles in the category: News
Shrinking Now Streaming on Apple TV+ in Canada
The Apple TV+ original series Shrinking is now available to stream in Canada. Jason Segel and Harrison Ford star in a comedic drama series centred around a therapist that decided to approach his role in a new way by taking the filter off and giving unbridled honesty and advice. Shrinking stars Segel as James Lair,...
What’s New on Crave: February 2023
We’re rounding the corner into another month and Bell Media today has shared its list of what’s new on the Crave streaming service for February 2023. February is Black History Month and Crave has highlights featuring Black creators, talent, and cultural figures with various curated special collections. One upcoming title is the TSN and Crave Original […]
M2 Mac Mini vs Mac Pro Performance Test [VIDEO]
Michael Tobin has shared a new video on his YouTube channel, comparing the new M2 Mac mini, which starts at $799 in Canada, with the Mac Pro worth $13,000. Tobin calls it the "DaVinci Resolve Battle” as he uses the professional video-editing software to gauge the performance of the two machines. For those who aren’t...