Starting today, September 1, 2015, drivers–and
cyclists–will face stiffer fines for a variety of unsafe
behaviours.
The "Making Ontario Roads Safer Act", which
sailed through the legislature with unanimous support in June,
seeks to reduce collisions on the roads. Many of the changes that
come into effect today (more are coming into effect at several points over the
next few years) are specifically aimed at protecting cyclists,
largely through the introduction of weightier fines under the
Highway Traffic Act.
These cyclist-friendly fines include:
Distracted driving: There will now be a set
fine of $490 and three demerit points for distracted driving.
Novice drivers will recieve a minimum 30-day suspension. This is
considerably more severe than the current $60 minimum penalty.
