New Ontario Driving LawsUncategorizedApril 11, 2018Ontario has introduced new changes to help deter dangerous driving and easier travel. For the most part punishments will be more strict and severe so it is important to keep up to date with the changes. Starting with drunk driving, a young driver below 21 years old regardless of license class with any alcohol in their system will now immediately have their license suspended for a day. If convicted, they face a $500 fine and a minimum 30 day license suspension. All drivers who now have a blood alcohol of 0.05 to 0.08 will now have their license suspended for 3 to 30 days. Getting caught more than once will require you to face mandatory alcohol education or enter a treatment program and have your vehicle fitted with an ignition interlock device which is a breathalyzer. Any driver caught using any hand-held device will now be fined up to $500. Smoking while any passenger is under 16 is illegal and you can be fined up to $250. When approaching a flashing stopped emergency vehicle, remember to slow down and move to another lane if possible. Not doing so can result in a fine starting from $400 to $2,000 and 3 demerit points. Additional offences can land you fines starting at $1,000 to $4,000 and possible jail time up to 6 months as well as license suspension for up to 2 years. HOV lanes on highways are reserved for busses and vehicles carrying two or more passengers. Anyone caught using them improperly will now face a fine of $110 and 3 demerit points. Be aware of the new driving laws and make sure that you drive responsibly.