Fines for distracted driving in Quebec could quadruple: Report
Fines for texting and driving in Quebec could get a lot more expensive.
According to the Montreal Gazette, a document obtained from Cogeco News reveals that distracted driving fines could increase from $80-$100 to $300-$400 depending on the offence.
The hike in fines would bring Quebec’s distracted driving penalty up to par with BC and Ontario, where drivers have to pay between $380-$490 if they are caught using a phone behind the wheel.
The report indicates that the new distracted driving rules will not increase the number of demerit points taken off their license.
Under the current rules, drivers lose four points if they have been using their phone while driving.
According to Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), drivers are currently fined if they use their phone to do any of the following behind the wheel:
- Make or answer a call
- Read or send a text message
- Check appointments
- Check the time
- Check Facebook activity feed
- Select a playlist
- Surf the Internet
“Simply holding a cell phone in your hand, for any reason, while driving a road vehicle is illegal,” says SAAQ.
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