Ontario is cracking down on some of the most persistent, dangerous driving behaviors.
Effective January 1, 2010, penalties for the following offences will increase:
- Failure to stop at a red light – the maximum fine will increase from $500 to $1000
- Failure to wear a seat belt and failure to ensure passengers under 16 are properly secured – the maximum fine will increase from $500 to $1000
- Careless driving and failure to remain at the scene of a collision – the maximum fine will increase from $1000 to $2000. Other existing maximum penalties for these offences will remain, including a two-year licence suspension and six-month jail term
Penalties for drivers who do not pull over and stop for emergency vehicles or who follow fire vehicles too closely will undergo the greatest change:
- First offence: a maximum fine of $2000, three demerit points plus a possible two-year licence suspension — up from the current maximum penalty of a $500 fine.
- Subsequent offences (within five years): a maximum fine of $4000 fine, three demerit points, a two-year driver’s licence suspension and a six-month prison sentence – up from the current maximum penalty of a $500 fine.
QUOTES
“Ontario’s roads are the safest in all North America – and these tougher penalties for unsafe driving practices will help keep motorists safe.”
- Jim Bradley, Transportation Minister.
"Higher fines for convictions will be another effective tool to help make Ontario roads safer... especially if it gets the attention of irresponsible and reckless drivers."
- Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino.
QUICK FACTS
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It is illegal to follow a fire department vehicle within 150 metres in any lane. Drivers must move out of the way when an emergency vehicle is approaching from either direction.
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Approximately one quarter of all drivers and passengers killed in motor vehicle collisions are not wearing a seatbelt.
- Out of approximately 380,000 drivers involved in collisions in 2006, about one in 17 failed to remain at the scene of a collision.
- Running a red light is the cause of about 25 per cent of fatal collisions at municipal intersections with traffic signals.
- Traffic offences fines go to municipalities.
LEARN MORE
Read more about road safety.
Find out how to properly install and use a child safety seat.
Download a copy of the latest Ontario Road Safety Annual Report.