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The fine for distracted driving in Ontario will soon nearly double.
As of March 18, driving with the display screen of a phone, computer, MP3 player or tablet visible to the driver will jump to $280 from $155. The total includes a $25 victim surcharge and $5 court costs.
Last week Ontario chief justice Annemarie Bonkalo signed a judicial order approving the new fines.
The fines will not apply to GPS screens.
A ticket for distracted driving does not come with demerit points, although drivers could also face a dangerous driving charge, which includes six demerit points.
The Ontario Provincial Police estimate distracted driving is a factor in up to 30 to 50 per cent of accidents in Ontario.
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