Ontario to increase fines for texting, using hand-held phone while driving

A man looks at his phone as he drives through traffic in Dallas, on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (AP / LM Otero)

TORONTO - Ontario motorists will face stiffer fines and penalties for texting while driving under legislation the Liberal government will re-introduce today.

The previous bill to increase the maximum fine for distracted driving to $1,000 and impose three demerit points died when the June 12 election was called.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca will reintroduce the bill this afternoon in an effort to help people break the habit of texting or talking on a hand-held phone while behind the wheel.

Ontario Provincial Police say distracted driving is becoming the No. 1 killer on the roads, accounting for more deaths last year than impaired driving or speed-related accidents.

A recent Centre for Addiction and Mental Health survey found more than one-third of licensed Ontario students in Grades 10 to 12 admitted to having  texted while driving at least once in the past year.

Using handheld devices to text, email or talk while driving, except for 911 calls, has been banned in Ontario since 2009.