The Ontario government’s new road safety legislation comes into effect Tuesday, which includes steeper fines for distracted drivers and more protections for cyclists, tow trucks and school buses.
Starting Tuesday, the penalty for distracted driving includes a $490 fine and three demerit points for those who are convicted. The previous fine ranged from $60 to $500. Distracted drivers without a full ‘G Class’ licence face a 30-day suspension in addition to the other penalties.
The fine for drivers convicted of “dooring” cyclists was previously $60 to $500 however that has now been increased to $365. Drivers will also receive three demerit points.
Motorists will also be required to leave a one-metre distance where possible when passing cyclists or they could be fined $110 and receive two demerit points.
Cyclists who don’t follow the rules of the road also face increased fines under the new law.
Those who failed to use required bicycle lights and reflectors previously faced a $20 fine but under the new road rules, cyclists will now be fined $110.
The new legislation states that drivers must leave a safe passing distance between their vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road. Those who don’t slow down and move over for tow trucks could face a $490 fine.
To make school buses more visible, the province has now instituted a policy that school buses are the only buses that can be chrome yellow.
"Ontario’s roads are among the safest in North America, and we want to keep it that way,” Steven Del Duca, the province’s minister of transportation, said in a written statement.
“We will continue to work hard to curb distracted driving, protect cyclists, and improve the safety of tow truck operators and children riding school buses.”
