Distracted driving is a serious problem in Ontario, and like many other Canadian provinces, it is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Ontario has implemented laws and regulations that prohibit the use of handheld electronic devices while driving, as well as other activities that could be distracting.

In Ontario, the distracted driving law is called the “Making Ontario Roads Safer Act,” and it prohibits drivers from using handheld electronic devices while driving. This includes making or receiving phone calls, texting, emailing, using a GPS, and any other use of an electronic device that requires holding it in one’s hand. The law also prohibits other distracting activities, such as eating, drinking, and grooming while driving.

To combat distracted driving, Ontario authorities are also raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving through public education campaigns and initiatives. These campaigns encourage drivers to stay focused on the road and avoid any activity that could take their attention away from driving.

Details of The Distracted Driving Law In Ontario

The Distracted Driving Law in Ontario is known as the “Making Ontario Roads Safer Act,” and it aims to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving. The law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving and also prohibits other distracting activities that can take a driver’s attention away from the road.

The following are some of the key details of the Distracted Driving Law in Ontario:

• Using a handheld electronic device while driving is illegal: This includes making or receiving phone calls, texting, emailing, browsing the internet, using a GPS, or any other use of an electronic device that requires holding it in one’s hand.
• It is illegal to view display screens unrelated to driving: This includes watching videos, taking photos, or scrolling through social media while driving.
• Hands-free devices are allowed: Drivers can use a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth headset, but they must not touch the device while driving.
• The law applies to all vehicles: The law applies to all drivers, including those of cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles.
• Penalties for distracted driving are severe: The fines for distracted driving in Ontario range from $615 to $3,000, depending on the severity of the offense. Drivers who violate the law can also face three demerit points and license suspension. In some cases, drivers who cause an accident due to distracted driving can be charged with careless driving, which can result in six demerit points, fines up to $2,000, and license suspension.

Overall, the Distracted Driving Law in Ontario is designed to promote safe driving practices and reduce the risk of accidents caused by distracted driving. By staying focused on the road and avoiding distractions, drivers can help to keep themselves and others safe.

Are Hands-Free Devices Allowed While Driving in Ontario

Yes, hands-free devices are allowed while driving in Ontario. The Distracted Driving Law in Ontario prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving, but it allows drivers to use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth headsets or speakerphones.

However, it is important to note that the law prohibits touching or holding the device while driving, even if it is a hands-free device. This means that the driver must set up and activate the device before driving, and should not touch or adjust it while the vehicle is in motion.

The use of hands-free devices is intended to allow drivers to stay connected while on the road, while reducing the risk of accidents caused by distracted driving. However, it is still important for drivers to stay focused on the road and avoid any activity that could take their attention away from driving.

Am I Allowed to Use My Phone When At A Stop Light?

No, in Ontario, you are not allowed to use your phone when at a stop light. The Distracted Driving Law in Ontario prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving, and this includes any time when the vehicle is in motion or stopped at a red light or stop sign.

The law considers the use of handheld electronic devices to be a serious safety risk, as it can take a driver’s attention away from the road and increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is important to avoid using your phone or other handheld electronic devices while driving or stopped at a red light.

It is important to note that if you are caught using your phone or other handheld electronic device while driving or at a stop light, you may be subject to fines and demerit points, as well as other penalties. Therefore, it is best to avoid using your phone while driving and to wait until you have pulled over to a safe location before using your phone or other handheld electronic devices.

Are You Allowed to Eat And Drive In Ontario?

While there is no specific law in Ontario that prohibits eating while driving, doing so can be considered a form of distracted driving, which is illegal. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes your attention away from driving, including eating, drinking, grooming, or reading, among others.

While eating while driving may seem like a minor distraction, it can still take your attention away from the road and increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid eating while driving and to take a break and pull over to a safe location if you need to eat or drink something.

It is also important to note that if a police officer determines that your eating or drinking is causing you to drive dangerously, you may be charged with careless driving, which can result in fines, demerit points, and other penalties. Therefore, it is best to avoid eating while driving and to focus on the road to help ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Is It Legal To Wear Headphones While Driving In Ontario?

No, it is not legal to wear headphones while driving in Ontario. The Highway Traffic Act of Ontario prohibits the use of headphones or earbuds while driving, as they can be a form of distracted driving and can limit the driver’s ability to hear important sounds such as emergency sirens, horns, or other warning signals.

The use of headphones or earbuds can also prevent a driver from hearing external sounds that are necessary to drive safely, such as traffic signals, car horns, and the sounds of other vehicles or pedestrians nearby.

Therefore, it is important to avoid wearing headphones or earbuds while driving, and to rely on other forms of audio or communication devices that do not block your ability to hear external sounds while driving. If you are caught wearing headphones or earbuds while driving, you may be subject to fines and demerit points, as well as other penalties.

Ontario Distracted Driving Statistics

Distracted driving is a serious problem in Ontario and has been a contributing factor in a large number of accidents in the province. Here are some statistics on distracted driving in Ontario:

• According to the Ontario Provincial Police, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the province.
• In 2019, distracted driving was a factor in over 8,000 collisions on Ontario roads, resulting in 55 deaths and over 5,000 injuries.
• According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), distracted driving contributes to about four million motor vehicle accidents in Canada every year, and is the cause of up to 80% of all car accidents.
• A survey conducted by CAA found that more than half of all drivers in Ontario admitted to using their phones while driving, with 80% of respondents saying that they had witnessed others using their phones while driving.

These statistics highlight the importance of taking distracted driving seriously and avoiding any activity that could take your attention away from the road. By staying focused on driving and avoiding distractions, you can help reduce the risk of accidents and make Ontario’s roads safer for everyone.

Distracted Driving FAQs

Q: What can I do to avoid distracted driving in Ontario? A: To avoid distracted driving in Ontario, it is recommended that you turn off your phone or keep it out of reach while driving, avoid eating or drinking while driving, and stay focused on the road at all times. If you need to use your phone or perform any other task, pull over to a safe location and stop the vehicle before doing so.

Q: Can I use a GPS device while driving in Ontario? A: Yes, you can use a GPS device while driving in Ontario, but it must be set up before you start driving. You should also avoid interacting with the device while driving.

Q: What is the fine for a first offense of distracted driving in Ontario? A: The fine for a first offense of distracted driving in Ontario is $615, plus three demerit points.

Q: Can I use my phone as a GPS device while driving in Ontario? A: Yes, you can use your phone as a GPS device while driving in Ontario, but it must be set up before you start driving and placed in a holder that does not obstruct your view of the road. You should also avoid interacting with the phone while driving.

Q: Are emergency services exempt from distracted driving laws in Ontario? A: Yes, emergency services are exempt from distracted driving laws in Ontario, as they may need to use handheld electronic devices while responding to emergencies.

Q: Can I be charged with distracted driving if I am stopped by police but not driving? A: No, you cannot be charged with distracted driving if you are stopped by police and not driving. However, if you are parked or stopped at a traffic light and using a handheld electronic device, you can still be charged with distracted driving.

Q: How can I report someone who is driving distracted in Ontario? A: You can report someone who is driving distracted in Ontario by calling 911 if it is an emergency, or by contacting your local police department’s non-emergency line.

Q: Can I use voice-activated technology while driving in Ontario? A: Yes, you can use voice-activated technology while driving in Ontario, as long as it does not distract you from driving safely. However, it is recommended that you set up the technology before you start driving, and avoid interacting with it while driving.

Q: What should I do if I am involved in an accident caused by distracted driving? A: If you are involved in an accident caused by distracted driving, you should seek medical attention if needed, contact the police to report the accident, and exchange insurance information with the other driver. You should also contact a personal injury lawyer if you are injured in the accident and need legal advice.