Can You Use Your Phone While Driving in Ontario?
No. Ontario's distracted driving law prohibits using handheld devices while driving, including smartphones, tablets, and handheld GPS units. Fines start at $615 for a first conviction and include 3 demerit points. Hands-free use through a mounted or Bluetooth device is permitted.
Key Facts
- First conviction: $615-$1,000 fine + 3 demerit points + 3-day licence suspension
- Second conviction: $615-$2,000 fine + 3 demerit points + 7-day licence suspension
- Third or more convictions: $615-$3,000 fine + 3 demerit points + 30-day licence suspension
- New G1/G2 drivers may face additional suspension under novice driver rules
In this article
Are Handheld Devices Prohibited?
Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, the distracted driving law prohibits holding or using any handheld wireless communication device or hand-held electronic entertainment device while driving. This includes making calls, texting, checking apps, using a camera, and holding your phone even while stopped at a red light or in traffic.
What Are the Fines and Penalties?
Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, distracted driving convictions are treated seriously.
- First conviction: $615-$1,000 fine + 3 demerit points + 3-day licence suspension
- Second conviction: $615-$2,000 fine + 3 demerit points + 7-day licence suspension
- Third or more convictions: $615-$3,000 fine + 3 demerit points + 30-day licence suspension
- New G1/G2 drivers may face additional suspension under novice driver rules
Are There Extra Consequences for G1 and G2 Drivers?
For G1 and G2 drivers, a distracted driving conviction can trigger additional novice driver penalties beyond the standard fines. Accumulating demerit points as a novice driver has lower thresholds for licence suspension compared to fully licensed drivers. A single distracted driving conviction puts you significantly closer to suspension.
What Is Allowed?
Hands-free operation is permitted as long as the device is not held in your hand and is not being operated manually. This includes using Bluetooth earpieces, car speakerphone systems, and GPS units securely mounted to the dashboard or windshield. You cannot touch the mounted device to input addresses while moving.
What Are Some Practical Tips?
Before driving, put your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb mode. Mount your GPS device before starting. If you need to use your phone, pull off the road safely and park first. No text message or notification is worth a fine of hundreds of dollars or losing your licence.
Related Questions
What Are the Restrictions on a G2 Licence in Ontario?
G2 drivers must maintain a zero blood alcohol level (0.00 BAC), ensure all passengers wear seatbelts, and avoid handheld electronic devices. Drivers age 19 or under also face passenger limits between midnight and 5 AM. These restrictions remain until you pass the full G road test.
Read answerHow Do Demerit Points Work in Ontario?
Ontario demerit points are added to your licence when you are convicted of certain driving offences. G1 and G2 drivers face stricter consequences: 9 demerit points triggers a licence suspension for novice drivers, compared to 15 for fully licensed drivers. Points are removed 2 years after the offence date.
Read answerWhat Is Ontario's Zero Tolerance Law for New Drivers?
Ontario's zero tolerance law requires G1 and G2 drivers to have a blood alcohol level of exactly 0.00 when driving. Any detectable alcohol results in an immediate 24-hour roadside licence suspension and additional penalties. This is stricter than the 0.08 limit that applies to fully licensed drivers.
Read answerCan You Use a GPS While Driving in Ontario?
Yes, you can use a GPS while driving in Ontario, but only if the device is properly mounted on the windshield or dashboard and you do not program it while moving. Hand-held GPS use is prohibited. G1 and G2 novice drivers face additional restrictions and may not use any hand-held device, including GPS.
Read answerWhat Is the Ontario Highway Traffic Act?
The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) is the provincial law that governs all road users in Ontario, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. It is administered by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) and covers everything from licence requirements to traffic rules and vehicle standards.
Read answerFrom Our Blog
Winter Driving Tips for Toronto and the GTA
Stay safe on Toronto and GTA roads this winter. Learn practical techniques for driving in snow, ice, and low visibility from an experienced Ontario driving instructor.
Read articleHow to Verify a Driving School is MTO-Approved in Ontario
Not every driving school in Ontario is legitimate. Learn how to verify MTO certification, what red flags to watch for, and the questions to ask before paying for any driving lessons.
Read articleReady to Start Driving?
Book a lesson with Nadi and join 5,000+ students who passed with SafePass.