Distracted driving laws and penalties by province and territory
JASON TCHIR
Special to The Globe and Mail
This article was published more than 10 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.
Province/Territory
Distracted driving legislation that includes texting
Fine
Demerits
Annual convictions (most recent available numbers)
Proposed or pending changes
British Columbia
Yes (2010)
$167
3 (for texting, not other distractions), 3 (for all distracted offences for GLP drivers)
48,000 (2013)
No
Alberta
Yes (2011)
$172
None
27,112 (Sept 1, 2012 - Aug 31, 2013)
No
Saskatchewan
Yes (2010)
$280
4
4,300 (2013)
No
Manitoba
Yes (2010)
$200
2
2,875 (Jan - Sept 2013)
No
Ontario
Yes (2009)
$280
None
63,813 (Jan - Nov 2013)
No
Quebec
Yes (2008)
$115 - 154
3
47,000 (Jan - Sept 2013)
Under discussion
New Brunswick
Yes (2011)
$172.50
3
1,389 (April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013)
No
Prince Edward Island
Yes (2010)
$250 - 400
3
257 (2012)
No
Nova Scotia
Yes (2008)
$164 - $337
None
4,841 (2013)
No
Newfoundland and Labrador
Yes (2013)
$100-400
4
1,018 (April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013)
No
Yukon
Yes (2011)
$250
3
84 (2013)
No
Northwest Territories
Yes (2012)
$115 with a victim surcharge
3
183 (Jan - Oct, 2013)
No
Nunavut
No
Source: ICBC, BC Justice, Alberta Transportation, Alberta Justice, SGI, Manitoba Public Insurance, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, SAAQ, New Brunswick Department of Public Safety, Nova Scotia Justice, PEI Department of Transportation, Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Transportation and Public Works, Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works, NWT Department of Transportation, Government of Nunavut.