New rules and fines for Ontario drivers will take effect next week.
Bill 31, also known as the Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act, is designed to reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities. One of the biggest focuses of the act is new penalties for distracted driving.
Currently fines range between $60 and $500, but under the MORS Act, those fines will range from $300 to $1,000. In addition, a driver could receive three demerit points if convicted.
The act will apply current alcohol-impairment rules for drivers who are under the influence of drugs. There will also be new measures for repeat impaired drivers.
Bill 31 won’t just introduce new fines, but also new rules. Drivers will be required to wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road before proceeding.
When passing a cyclist, drivers will have to provide a minimum distance of one-metre, where possible.
The new rules come into effect on Sept. 1.
