Coinciding with the rapid evolution of technology is the rise of distracted driving — a CAA survey conducted in 2025 revealed that 43 percent of Ontario drivers admit that they have met the definition for distracted driving, which includes driving while texting, taking hand-held phone calls or using communication devices and navigation systems.

If you’re heading beyond Ontario’s borders, whether for a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, it’s important to understand how distracted driving laws can vary from province to province. Before hitting the road, be mindful of these distracted driving laws across the country.

Ontario

According to the Government of Ontario, one person is injured in a distracted driving collision in the province every half an hour. To combat this, in addition to driving while texting and general use of a phone, it is illegal to:

• operate a wireless hand-held electronic entertainment device
• have an activated display screen that is unrelated to driving visible to the driver
• program navigation on a hand-held communication device, except by voice commands

A distracted driving conviction in Ontario includes a ticket of between $615 and $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day suspension; a second offence means a ticket of between $615 to $2,000, six demerits and a seven-day suspension; and third, $615 to $3,000, six demerits and a 30-day suspension.

It’s important to keep in mind a conviction for a driving offence in another Canadian province, or in the states of New York or Michigan, will result in demerit points being applied to an Ontario driving record as though the offence occurred within the province.

British Columbia

In B.C., being caught while driving distracted comes with a fine of $368 and four Driver Penalty Points. At the end of 12 months, those four (or more) points will trigger an additional Driver Penalty Point Premium. Repeated convictions may incur a licence suspension of three to 12 months.

Alberta

The distracted driving fine in Alberta is $300 and three demerit points. Restricted activities include entering information on GPS units, reading printed materials and personal grooming — even when waiting at red lights.

Saskatchewan

The penalty for using, holding, viewing or manipulating a hand-held cellphone while driving is a $580 ticket and four demerit points for a first offence. Subsequent offences entail a $1,400 ticket, four demerits and a seven-day vehicle seizure for a second instance and a $2,100 ticket, four demerits and a seven-day vehicle seizure for the third instance.

Québec

It is illegal to use a cellphone or other portable electronic device while driving, unless it is a hands-free device. Fines range from $300 to $600; the minimum is doubled for repeat offences within two years. The first repeat results in a three-day licence suspension; second, seven days and third, 30 days, along with five demerit points.

Nova Scotia

Distracted driving fines for cellphone usage in Nova Scotia are: $233.95 and four demerits for a first conviction; $348.95 and four demerits for a second; and $578.95 and four demerits for subsequent offences. Other forms of distracted driving not involving a cellphone can result in penalties or licence suspension at a judge’s discretion.

Manitoba

Manitoba’s laws around distracted driving are more severe when compared to those in other parts of Canada. Since Nov. 1, 2018, those convicted of a first-time violation face a $672 ticket, five demerits on the Driver Safety Rating Scale and a three-day licence suspension. At the end of the suspension, drivers must pay a $50 fee to reinstate their licence.

If distraction is found to be the cause of other traffic violations and/or a collision, drivers may be charged with additional offences such as failing to obey a traffic signal, careless driving or dangerous driving, resulting in further fines, demerits and interventions under the Driver Improvement & Control Program.

Understanding distracted driving laws can help keep you and others safe. Learn more about distracted driving and how to avoid it in the latest issue of CAA Magazine.