Distracted Driving in Ontario

Distracted Driving in Ontario: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Your Rights

In today's digital world, distracted driving has quickly become one of the most dangerous threats on Ontario roads—outpacing even impaired driving in its severity and frequency.

At Pranzitelli Law Firm, we see firsthand the devastating consequences distracted drivers can cause, from serious injuries to loss of life. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation—and we're here to help.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle while engaging in another activity that diverts your attention—most commonly, using a mobile phone or electronic device.

That includes:

📱 Texting
📲 Tapping or swiping your screen
📺 Using a DVD player, tablet, or e-reader
🗺️ Entering GPS directions while moving

Even holding your phone while driving is illegal in Ontario—and the penalties are steep.

Ontario’s Distracted Driving Penalties: What You Risk

Here’s what you could face under Ontario law if caught using a handheld device behind the wheel:

➤ First Offense:

• 💸 Fine: $615 to $1,000

• ⚠️ 3 demerit points

• 🚫 License suspension: 3 days

➤ Second Offense:

• 💸 Fine: Up to $2,000

• ⚠️ 6 demerit points

• 🚫 License suspension: 7 days

➤ Third Offense:

• 💸 Fine: Up to $3,000

• ⚠️ 6 demerit points

• 🚫 License suspension: 30 days or cancellation

• 🚓 Potential jail time: Up to 6 months

These are just the penalties for being caught with a device. If your distraction leads to a crash that injures or kills someone, the consequences escalate dramatically:

• ⚖️ Injury: Up to 10 years in prison under criminal charges for dangerous driving

• ⚖️ Death: Up to 14 years in prison

For reference, see ontario.ca for up to date fines for distracted driving

How to Prevent Distracted Driving

The safest approach? Avoid all phone use while driving.

But if necessary, Ontario law allows the use of devices only if they’re:

• 🔊 Hands-free (e.g. Bluetooth or dashboard-mounted systems)

• 🗣️ Voice-activated (e.g. Siri, Google Assistant)

Still, even with legal hands-free options, the best choice is to keep your focus on the road—every second of distraction matters.

Injured by a Distracted Driver? You May Be Entitled to Compensation.

If you were hit by a distracted driver in Ontario, you have up to 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim for damages.

You may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Long-term care or rehabilitation

At Pranzitelli Law Firm, we know how to build a strong case to hold careless drivers accountable and help you get the financial support you need to heal and move forward.

Contact Pranzitelli Law Firm for a Free Consultation

Based in the GTA, Pranzitelli Law Firm has extensive experience with personal injury claims, including cases involving distracted driving. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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