NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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ESPANOLA - The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public that driving distracted by using a hand-held communication device is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
Officers have recently charged two drivers for watching a movie while driving. Distracted driving continues to be a concern on our highways and officers will continue to enforce this legislation.
This offence refers to any display screen of a television, computer or other device that is visible to the driver. This includes and is not limited to the following:
- Texting - while driving
- Holding the device in any way - while driving (this includes changing the song on your device or holding the phone while on speaker)
- Watching a movie or video on any kind of device - while driving (this includes a passenger showing you something on a device)
The consequences of the above are as follows:
- First offence: a fine of not less than $500 up to $1,000 and a three-day licence suspension upon conviction.
- Second offence: a fine of not less than $500 up to $2,000 and a seven-day licence suspension upon conviction.
- Third offence: a fine of not less than $500 up to $3,000 and a 30-day licence suspension upon conviction.
Drivers are exempt from this if they are required to call 9-1-1. If you MUST use your device immediately for any other purpose, please pull over to a safe location, not interfering with traffic and put the vehicle in park.
"Distracted driving is dangerous. Distracted driving while watching a movie is completely senseless and puts every adult and child travelling on the highway at risk of serious injury or death. Suspend the movie before we suspend your licence," says Manitoulin OPP Detachment Commander Inspector Megan Cavanagh.
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