In Ontario, they’re getting tough on distracted driving. Get caught once and convicted, and you’re hit with a 3-day licence suspension. It’s a big deal, showing they’re serious about stopping it.
But what happens after you’re pulled over and get a distracted driving ticket in Ontario and that suspension? You’re facing many legal steps and consequences that could last way longer than those three days.
Distracted Driving Penalties for First Conviction
Let’s explore what you’re facing with your first distracted driving conviction in Ontario. Specifically, we’re talking about the first offence because that’s when you’re hit with a 3-day licence suspension.
Remember that any offences after that will result in even longer suspensions (check more about texting and driving fines in Ontario for all categories of drivers & number of convictions).
So, for the first conviction, you may face the following:
- 3-day license suspension
- Fines from $615 (incl. a victim surcharge and the court fee) and up to $1,000
- 3 demerit points
- Expect your car insurance to go up for up to 3 years.
Process of 3 Day License Suspension in Ontario for Distracted Driving
Navigating through a 3-day license suspension for distracted driving in Ontario involves steps from the moment of conviction to the reinstatement of your driving privileges. Here’s what to expect:
1. Conviction and Record Update
- Court conviction: The journey begins when you’re found guilty of using a hand-held communication device while driving. The court notifies the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) of your conviction.
- MTO review: The MTO updates your driver’s record with the conviction, determining the suspension length based on your licence type and whether it’s your first, second, or subsequent offence.
2. Notification and Suspension Initiation
- Receiving notice: The MTO will send you a letter detailing when your suspension will start.
- Licence surrender: Before the suspension begins, you must surrender your physical driver’s licence to the MTO or Service Ontario. Failing to do so will not delay the start of your suspension but will prevent the countdown of the suspension period until you do.
3. 3 Day Licence Suspension Itself
Once the licence is surrendered, you must wait out the the 3-day suspension period. During this period, you cannot drive. Otherwise, you’ll be convicted of driving without a license in Ontario.
4. Licence Reinstatement
- Paying reinstatement fee: Once the suspension period ends, visit Service Ontario to pay a $281 reinstatement fee.
- Temporary license: You’ll receive a temporary licence immediately upon paying the fee.
- Permanent licence delivery: Your new permanent driver’s licence card will be mailed to you within 3-4 weeks after reinstatement.
Learn more on how to get your driver’s license back after suspension in Ontario from our guide.
Consequences of 3 Day License Suspension in Ontario for Distracted Driving
Dealing with a 3-day license suspension for distracted driving in Ontario brings a set of challenges beyond the temporary loss of driving privileges. The long-term consequences include:
- Increased insurance premiums.
- Marks on your driving record.
- Possible financial and legal complexities due to above-mentioned aspects.
How X-COPS Can Help With Distracted Driving in Ontario
If you’re caught up with using your phone while driving and get your distracted driving ticket, X-COPS could be your ticket out of trouble. X-COPS guys eat, sleep, and breathe traffic law, making them the perfect ally in your corner.
We don’t just throw a standard defence at your case; we tailor-make it to fit your situation like a glove. Whether finding a loophole to get your charges dropped or negotiating to lighten your penalties, X-COPS is about minimizing the damage to your wallet and driving record. And when it comes to untangling the mess of getting your licence back, we’ve got the know-how to smooth out the bumps in the road.
Any questions? Call us NOW!