Quebec has one of the steeper penalties, but even they're not enough to deter drivers from the act. Quebec's laws came into effect as of April 2008. Drivers caught using handheld devices face a fine ranging from $115 to $154, as well as three demerit points. Of all the provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador take texting and driving the most seriously. Their laws came into effect back in April 2003. Drivers face fines of $100 up to $400 as well as four demerit points if caught using a handheld device. Although Ontario is increasing its fines as of March 18, they're still a ways behind Quebec and many other provinces. Drivers will face a $280 fine if caught, but still no demerit points will be issued.
Distracted driving is an umbrella term used to describe everything from texting to eating to paying attention to your kids in the backseat while driving. While Quebeckers can agree on texting, they are more polarized on other forms of distracted driving. Seventy-four per cent of Quebec residents feel using your phone (for other non-texting purposes) should be a criminal offence, while only 27 per cent feel eating while driving is a concern.
The problem with distracted driving is you may not even realize your seemingly harmless act is bordering on dangerous driving. Take putting on make-up as an example, which 73 per cent of Quebeckers also deemed should be a criminal offence. If you're looking in the mirror you may not notice that you're accelerating, a common side effect of distracted driving that can have serious consequences.
Despite this, only 34 per cent of Quebeckers feel distracted driving in general should be a criminal offence, compared to 58 per cent of all Canadians. This laissez faire approach would be more disconcerting if Quebec residents weren't so serious about the use of handheld devices, the biggest concern when it comes to distracted driving.
How distracted driving affects your insurance
A distracted driving charge will affect not only your driving record, but also will impact your insurance rates and increase your premiums. If you're charged with careless driving, a serious offence, the penalties could be even more severe. If you're convicted, your rates could go up an average of 50 to 100 per cent. You may even have to switch your insurance companies if you get cancelled upon renewal.
To avoid premium increases or losing your insurance all together, keep your eyes on the road and stay off that phone.
