5 New Ontario Driving Laws

Just in time for the new school year, Ontario is implementing traffic laws to make its roads safer for people. These driving laws will positively affect motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as police officers and students.

According to Global News, roughly 30 students are killed in road accidents each year in Canada, and another 2,400 students are injured. Parachute Canada has reported that "child pedestrian incidents are a leading cause of death for Canadian children under age 14." Because of this data, legislators have worked to formulate five new traffic laws, most of which become effective today, September 1st, 2015. And they couldn't come at a better time.

The five new driving laws are part of Bill 31--the "Making Ontario Roads Safer Act"--which the province passed in June. The bill not only features stricter traffic laws; it also describes more serious penalties for the violation of these rules. When a driver fails to follow one of these new or updated regulations, s/he may be faced with a heftier fine than before, demerit points and/or a licence suspension. Below is a closer look at the five new regulations and some of their penalties.

1. Distracted driving: Motorists caught texting and driving will face a $490 fine instead of the previous $60 fine. Drivers with G1 and G2 licences may face immediate suspension. Fully-licensed drivers may face demerit points as well. This law includes talking on/looking at phone without using a hands-free device while driving, and even while sitting at a red light.
2. Waiting for pedestrians: Drivers must wait for pedestrians to fully exit a crosswalk before proceeding through. (This law doesn't go into effect until January.)
3. Sharing the road: Motorists must leave at least one metre of space for cyclists on the side of the road. Anybody who opens their car doors without checking for bikers may face fines ranging from $300 to $1,000.
4. Slowing down and moving over: Drivers are required to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles. This includes any emergency vehicle with flashing red lights or flashing amber lights. If possible, drivers should switch lanes to make room for the vehicle to pass. Motorists who fail to follow this law may face $490 fine and up to three demerit points.
5. Medicated driving: Drinking and driving is already dangerous and illegal, but a new law clarifies the penalty for driving while under the influence of drugs. This law includes illegal drugs and prescription and over-the-counter medications (basically anything that can impair one's driving). The penalty may include licence suspension for up to 90 days, as well as having the vehicle impounded for up to a week.

For more details about these new driving laws, please visit the Ontario.ca website. Drive safe!