English 
French 
Distracted Driving
- 1/15Using a mobile phone while driving
Distracted driving laws in Canada prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving. Using a mobile phone divides your attention from the road and surrounding traffic, significantly increasing the risk of making errors or causing a collision.
Texting while driving
Texting takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving. Even a few seconds of distraction at high speed can lead to severe or fatal crashes.
Using hands-free devices while driving
Although legally allowed, using hands-free systems can still reduce your mental focus. Conversations, even if hands-free can impair your ability to process what is happening on the road around you.
You are stopped at a red light and check a text message
Even though your vehicle is not moving, you are still in control of it. Using your phone while stopped at a light is against the law and can result in fines and demerit points.
Checking your GPS while driving
Looking at or adjusting GPS while driving takes your attention off the road. Program your route before starting your journey or pull over safely to make changes.
Penalty for distracted driving
Depending on the province, distracted driving penalties can include fines of up to $1,000, 3 to 6 demerit points, and in repeat cases, license suspension and increased insurance premiums.
Eating or drinking while driving
Although not always illegal, eating or drinking while driving takes one hand off the wheel and diverts attention. This increases the chance of delayed reactions in emergencies.
Holding your phone at a red light
Even while stopped at a red light, holding or using your phone is prohibited. The law applies any time you are in control of the vehicle, including when temporarily stopped in traffic.
Using a phone in hands-free mode
Long or emotional phone calls can distract you mentally even if you are not touching your phone. Keep calls short, avoid complex conversations, and focus on the driving task.
Passenger interaction while driving
Talking to passengers can divert your attention from driving, especially in stressful situations or when supervising children. Stay aware and keep distractions minimal.
You are driving on a quiet suburban street and your phone rings
Answering while driving, even on a quiet road, takes your focus off the surroundings. A pedestrian, cyclist, or sudden obstacle could appear at any time.
You miss a turn and try to reprogram your GPS while driving
Programming a GPS while driving divides your attention between the device and the road. Always pull over before making changes to navigation.
The safest time to use your phone in the car
To ensure full attention to driving, avoid using your phone unless you have parked legally and safely off the road. This reduces risks and complies with Canadian traffic laws.
You are late for work and decide to quickly reply to a message at a stop sign
Using your phone at a stop sign is still considered distracted driving. Your full attention should be on checking traffic conditions before moving.
You are in bumper-to-bumper traffic and decide to scroll social media
Heavy traffic still requires constant awareness. Taking your eyes off the road to scroll, even briefly, can result in a rear-end collision or worse.