Ontario is planning to fine careless drivers who cause death up to $50,000.
Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca announced today that the Liberal government will introduce legislation this fall that would help crack down on careless and distracted driving.
A new offence for careless driving causing death or bodily harm would lead to a licence suspension of up to five years, fines of between $2,000 and $50,000, up to two years of jail time and six demerit points.
As well, the fines for distracted driving would increase from a maximum of $1,000 to up to $2,000 on a second conviction and up to $3,000 for third or subsequent incidents, as well as six demerit points for multiple offences.
Novice drivers — those with a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence — convicted of three or more distracted driving offences would see their licence cancelled.
Del Duca says Ontario would have the toughest penalties for repeated distracted driving offences in Canada.