Just some casual info on the crimes Chins live streamed herself commit this week.
Penalties for distracted driving
The easiest way to avoid penalties for distracted driving is to not use a hand-held device when you’re behind the wheel.
It’s against the law to use hand-held communication (e.g. your phone) and electronic entertainment devices (e.g. DVD player, e-reader) while driving.
In fact, simply holding a phone or other device while driving is against the law.
You can use:
a hands-free device (e.g. Bluetooth) but only to turn it on and off
a mounted device (e.g. phone, GPS) as long as it is secure – not moving around while driving
If convicted, the penalty you face depends on the kind of licence you hold and how long you’ve been driving.
Drivers with A to G licences
If you have an A, B, C, D, E, F, G and/or M licence, you’ll face bigger penalties when convicted of distracted driving:
First conviction:
a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
a fine of up to $1,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
three demerit points
3-day suspension
Second conviction:
a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
a fine of up to $2,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
six demerit points
7-day suspension
Third and any further conviction(s):
a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
a fine of up to $3,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
six demerit points
30-day suspension
Penalties for impaired driving
If police determine that you are driving while impaired you will face penalties immediately. You will also face additional consequences later if you are convicted in court. The penalties you face can vary depending on your age, licence type, the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system, and how many times you have been convicted.
Immediate Penalties for a BAC Over the Legal Limit, Refuse Testing or Impairment
If you refuse to take a drug or alcohol test, you register a BAC over 0.08 or if a drug recognition evaluator determines that you are impaired, you will face:
90-day licence suspension
7-day vehicle impoundment
$550 penalty
$281 licence reinstatement fee
You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program (for second and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
You will be required to use an ignition interlock device for at least 6 months (for third and subsequent occurrences within 10 years)
Additional Penalties if Convicted in Court
No matter what age or licence you have, if you are convicted criminally of impaired driving in court, you can face additional fines and jail time, plus:
First offence:
Licence suspension of at least 1 year
You must attend a mandatory education or treatment program
Requirement to use an ignition interlock device for at least 1 year
You will need to undergo a mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
