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Distracted Driving | Hand-Held | Cell Phone Ontario Tickets
If you've received a distracted driving ticket for holding, touching, or using a hand-held device in Ontario, you’re likely aware of how strict the regulations are. Under the Highway Traffic Act, even touching your phone for non-communication purposes—like entertainment—while stopped at a red light or stop sign can lead to a violation.
Ontario law prohibits the use of any hand-held communication or entertainment devices while your vehicle is on the road, whether moving or temporarily stopped. However, there are exceptions if you are lawfully parked off the roadway. Working with a paralegal can help you understand your rights and build a defense.
Penalties for Hand-Held Driving in Ontario
Distracted Driving Penalties for Fully Licensed Drivers (A-G)
First Conviction
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3 demerit points
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Minimum fine of $615 and not more than $1,000 (including victim surcharge and court fees)
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3 days mandatory licence suspension
Second Conviction
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6 demerit points
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Minimum fine of $615 and not more than $2,000 (including victim surcharge and court fees)
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7 days mandatory licence suspension
Third or More Convictions
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6 demerit points
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Minimum fine of $615 and not more than $3,000 (including victim surcharge and court fees)
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30 days mandatory licence suspension
Distracted Driving Penalties for Novice Drivers (G1,G2, M1,M2)
Novice drivers will not face any demerit points however they will be facing longer suspension times, including cancellation and having to redo the licencing program.
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30 days licence suspension on a first conviction
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90 days licence suspension on a second conviction
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Cancellation of licence and removal from the graduated licensing systems on a third conviction
Hand-held/ Distracted Driving Affect on Insurance
Depending on the insurance company and policies your premiums could be increased for 3 years. However, the conviction of a hand-held device ticket stays with you forever and each insurer can deem you a high risk driver.
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Our Process
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Do you offer free consultation?Yes we offer an in depth free consultation of the offence you received, the penalties, and the procedures. At this stage we will also let you know the cost of fighting your ticket with us from start to end including trial. We will provide as much detail as possible and leave it up to you on deciding to move forward with us.
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How many demerit points do I have?It is a misconception that we start with a certain amount of demerit points and that we can lose them. Demerit points get added on to your driving record if you are convicted of an offence. Every driver regardless of the driving class start with zero points. Depending on the class of licence you have you can only get to a certain amount before your licence is taken away. As a driver with a full licence meaning “G” class, if accumulate up to 15 points on your driving record you will be suspended for 30 days. Accumulating 6-8 points will result in a warning letter, and anything from 9-14 will result in a warning letter and an interview to improve your driving behaviour. As a Novice driver on the other hand accumulating 9 points will result in a 60 day licence suspension.
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Do I need a lawyer to fight my traffic ticket in Ontario?No, Paralegals in Ontario can fight your traffic tickets from the start all the way till the end including trial. However, if you have been charged criminally, depending on the charge you might need a lawyer.
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Is it worth fighting minor tickets in Ontario?It is worth fighting every ticket you receive and it is your right to. Even minor convictions can result in a poor driving record raising your insurance costs. Even minor convictions remain on your record for three years, if the offence you are convicted of has demerit points, the points will also remain on your licence for two years from the date of the ticket.
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