Police sources have confirmed that Canada’s new driving laws, which received royal assent earlier this year, will officially take effect in every province on Feb. 1, 2020.
Drivers convicted of distracted driving under the new laws will be punished with a licence suspension, a hefty fine and demerit points. The severity of the punishment increases with the number of subsequent offences committed:
First offence: 3 days suspension and $3,000 fine.
Second offence: 7 days suspension and $6,000 fine.
Three or more offences: 30 days suspension, $8,000 fine and six demerit points
Police will not be able to seize driver’s licences at roadside. They would have to get the approval of a judge in order to be able to suspend any driver’s licence.
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