The penalties for texting and driving are about to get more real.
The Ontario government is introducing a new mandatory three-day driver’s licence suspension on a first conviction for distracted driving as of Jan. 1.
And the new minimum fine for a first offence of distracted driving is rising to $615 if settled out of court, up from the current minimum of $490, with a maximum fine of up to $1,000.
That first offence will also come with three demerit points.
A second offence within five years carries a fine of up to $2,000, six demerit points and an automatic seven-day driver’s licence suspension.

Put that phone away when you are driving. It can wait.