Toronto Road Safety Changes
Bill 31 was passed and received Royal Assent yesterday! This means big changes are coming for Ontario and Toronto drivers in the near future! Toronto Road Safety is the main concern for the laws.
This bill, which is soon to be law, deals with DISTRACTED DRIVING (cell phone charges), tow truck driver safety, pedestrians and cyclists, and many other important new laws!
Get ready to make some changes in your driving habits for your safety and others!
1. Distracted Driving (Cell Phone Charge):
Current Fines: $60 to $500 and 0 Demerit Points.
New Fines: $300 to $1000 and 3 Demerit Points.
2. Tow Truck Driver Safety:
Current Law: Do not need to move over for Tow Truck Drivers when amber lights are flashing.
New Law: REQUIRED to slow down and move over one (1) full lane when Tow Trucks’ amber lights are flashing.
3. Pedestrians and Cyclists:
A) Pedestrians must FULLY cross the school and/or pedestrian crossing before your vehicle starts moving forward.
B) Dooring a cyclist now carries a fine of $300 to $1000 and three (3) demerit points.
C) Drivers are now required to give cyclists one (1) meter of room when passing them, if possible.
D) Cyclists not using proper bicycle lights and reflective equipment, will be fined $60 to $500.
4. Honorable Mention:
A) Drug-Impaired Driving: Now faces the same penalties as drivers impaired by Alcohol.
B) Alcohol-Impaired Driving: Mandatory completion of alcohol education program for repeat offenders.
C) Stronger regulations for reporting medical conditions that could impair your driving ability.
D) Doctors are now required to report unfit drivers.
E) 18-Wheelers are getting longer! Extended to 27.5 meters from 25 meters.
F) ONLY school buses can be painted in Chrome Yellow.
G) No Skateboarding behind cars (no holding onto a moving vehicle while on a skateboard).
Over the next few months be prepared for educational campaigns to inform motorists about the new laws.
More importantly, distracted driving is now the leading cause for fatalities, not drunk driving.
Toronto Road Safety is a large concern for not only for drivers, but pedestrians as well. Brian Patterson, President and CEO at Ontario Safety League even said “sometimes it takes a ticket to get a driver’s attention.” We hope it does not come to that! We hope you stay up to date with all the current laws and never receive a ticket.
If you want to read Bill 31, click here: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?BillID=3057
Please drive safe!
Stay Informed!
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Sturino Walker Legal today!