Ontario is preparing a broad road safety package that would sharply increase penalties for commercial vehicle offences, including distracted driving and speed limiter violations, under proposed legislation introduced in 2024.
What the province is proposing
- Higher penalties for distracted driving by commercial drivers: The government has signaled plans to double current fines and impose longer licence suspensions. Proposals under consideration include a seven-day suspension and a $1,000–$2,000 fine for a first distracted driving offence while operating a commercial vehicle, with escalating penalties for repeat offences.
- Speed limiter enforcement: The package would increase penalties for speed limiter violations on commercial motor vehicles, reinforcing Ontario’s existing requirement that limiters be set at 105 km/h.
- Roadside licence suspensions: New and expanded roadside suspensions would apply to specific high-risk behaviours, complementing existing enforcement tools.
- Careless and dangerous driving: The legislation would raise roadside suspension periods and fines for careless driving and careless driving causing death.
- Lifetime licence suspensions for fatal offences: The Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024 would authorize a lifetime driver’s licence suspension for anyone convicted under the Criminal Code of impaired driving causing death, and would impose a lifetime ban for dangerous driving causing death.
- Focus on safety and technology: The changes emphasize accountability, appropriate use of in-cab technology, and stricter penalties for behaviours linked to serious collisions.
Impact on commercial carriers and drivers
The proposals target high-risk conduct among commercial motor vehicle operators, with particular emphasis on handheld device use and speed compliance. Higher fines, longer suspensions, and more robust roadside enforcement are intended to deter dangerous driving behaviours and align penalties with the severity of outcomes in serious and fatal crashes.
Status and next steps
The measures are part of Ontario’s Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024. They are not in force unless and until the legislation passes and related regulations are finalized. The province has not announced an implementation date for the proposed changes.