The ministry of Transportation in the province of Ontario has a new set of laws that have been brought in place since January 2016. There will be harsher fines and texting while driving is a criminal offence. Particularly demarcated zones often yield a lot of pedestrian troubles and crosswalks are now designated as problem zones. On the website, the Ministry is stressing on the responsibility of pedestrians staying safe and how drivers should make eye contact when they are driving.

Here are the top laws that have been brought in place in Ontario

1. The penalty while texting and driving will go up from $60 to about $490 from September 1. Drivers that have their G1 and G2 licenses can face immediate suspension and fully licensed drivers who look at their phones or a hands free device when driving even while sitting at red lights can face charges and fines.

2. Cars are not allowed to cross the road when pedestrians are walking on the road. Drivers should also wait much longer at crosswalks. Pedestrians should fully cross the intersection and then drive.

3. Bicycles should be given more room to move around in the city. The new rules of teh road will require motorists to leave at least a meter for the cyclist and drivers who do open tehir car doors without watching what’s passing them will face fines that range from $300 to $1000 Canadian dollars.

4. Slowing down and then allowing an emergency vehicle to cross is the norm. You need to move over too if you see flashing red light. The vehicles that have flashing amber lights also would like you to slow down and switch lanes. If you fail to comply, you could be charged about $490 and three demerit points.

5. Driving while on a high dose of drugs will not just put you behind bars, but also will lead to a suspended license with drivers that are caught under its influence both illegal and legal may face heavy fines and imprisonment. The license suspension can range from 3 to 90 days and the car could impounded for a week.

Most of Ontario’s Police Departments have initiated a safe road initiative where real life officers publish posters about road safety and put up real comments by drivers when they pull over.  If you are victim in an car or motor vehicle accident due to new driving rules not adhered by person, contact Victor Opara at 416-782-5926 or email us at info@notarizers.ca for accruing maximum compensation claims