Distracted Driving Ontario: Laws, Penalties, and Consequences

Last updated: 2026 | Legal guide for Ontario drivers | Posted by Ontario Towing

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in Ontario. The province has strict laws with serious penalties including fines, demerit points, licence suspension, and even jail time. Understanding what counts as distracted driving and the real cost of a conviction is essential. This guide covers the laws, penalties, and consequences every Ontario driver needs to know.

Quick Answer: In Ontario, using a hand-held phone, texting, eating, or any activity that takes your attention off the road counts as distracted driving. First offence penalties include a $490 fine and 3 demerit points. Third offence brings fines up to $1,000 and a mandatory 30-day licence suspension.

What Counts as Distracted Driving in Ontario

Prohibited Activities While Driving

Using a hand-held phone or device Texting, calling, emailing, browsing social media, or even holding your phone.

Viewing a phone screen Looking at your phone screen for any reason except GPS mounted on the dashboard.

Eating or drinking while driving Can be ticketed as careless driving, which carries 6 demerit points.

Grooming or personal hygiene Applying makeup, shaving, or other personal care while behind the wheel.

Reading or writing Including maps, directions, documents, or notes.

Adjusting controls while in motion Changing radio stations, climate controls, or navigation while the vehicle is moving.

Ontario Distracted Driving Penalties

Offence	Fine	Demerit Points	Suspension
First offence	$490	3 points	None
Second offence (within 5 years)	$490-710	3 points	7-day possible
Third offence (within 5 years)	$490-1,000	3 points	30-day mandatory
Careless driving (eating, grooming)	$400-2,000	6 points	Possible

What Is Actually Legal While Driving

✔ These Are Permitted

Hands-free phone calls Using Bluetooth or speakerphone is legal. The law targets hand-held use.

GPS mounted on dashboard or windshield Viewing briefly while driving is permitted. Touching the screen should only happen while stopped.

Listening to radio or podcasts Audio entertainment is fine as long as you are not adjusting controls while driving.

Talking to passengers Permitted as long as you maintain focus on the road.

The Real Cost of a Distracted Driving Conviction

Beyond the Fine

First offence fine: $490

Insurance increase (25-50% for 3 years): $3,000-5,000

True cost of one ticket: $3,500-5,500

The bottom line: A single moment of distraction costs thousands of dollars in total. A $490 ticket becomes $3,500 to $5,500 when you add insurance increases over three years. Multiple offences lead to licence suspension and potentially being dropped by your insurer entirely.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Distracted Driving in Ontario

No. Hands-free calls using Bluetooth or speakerphone are legal. The law targets hand-held phone use. However, if your conversation is so distracting you lose focus, you could still be charged with careless driving.

You can still be ticketed. The law prohibits hand-held device use while operating a vehicle, even at red lights. The safest approach is to never touch your phone while behind the wheel.

Typically 25 to 50 percent for three years. A driver paying $1,500 annually could pay $1,875 to $2,250 per year. Over three years, that single $490 ticket costs $3,000 to $5,000 in total.

Yes. Request a trial and the officer must testify. If they do not appear, the ticket is withdrawn. A traffic paralegal can help identify procedural errors. Cost is $300 to $800 but can save thousands in insurance.

If you are touching or holding your phone to view GPS, that is illegal hand-held device use. Mount your phone on the dashboard and view it only briefly. A dedicated GPS unit is the safest option.

Yes, if your job involves driving. Commercial drivers face additional penalties. Stunt driving charges create a criminal record which affects employment opportunities and background checks.

You face distracted driving charges plus careless driving charges. You will be at fault. Your insurance may not fully cover the accident and you face personal lawsuits for damages beyond coverage.

Yes. The 3 demerit points count toward the 15-point threshold. If you already have 12 points and get a distracted driving ticket, you reach 15 and your licence is suspended immediately.

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