Major Offence

Distracted Driving / Cellphone Use

3 demerit points, 3-day suspension on first conviction, and steep insurance consequences.

Demerit Points
3
Fine Range
$615 – $3,000
Insurance Impact
High
Our Flat Fee
$400 – $900

The Basics

What is distracted driving / cellphone use?

Handheld device use while driving — including at a red light — is prohibited under HTA section 78.1. Ontario has some of the strictest distracted driving penalties in North America.

Consequences

What you're facing

  • 1
    3 demerit points
  • 2
    $615 fine on first conviction (rises to $2,000 for repeat offences)
  • 3
    3-day licence suspension (first), 7-day (second), 30-day (third+)
  • 4
    Insurance premium increase of up to 100%

Our Approach

How we can help

The Crown must prove the device was being 'held' and 'used'. We cross-examine on the officer's observations, review dashcam evidence, and negotiate down to non-demerit alternatives such as 'unsafe operation of a vehicle'.

  • We appear in court for you
  • Full disclosure review
  • Prosecutor negotiations
  • Flat-fee, no surprises

Common questions

Distracted Driving / Cellphone Use FAQs

Straight answers about traffic tickets, court process, and how we work.

Paying a ticket is a plea of guilty

Got a ticket? Don't just pay it.

Paying results in a permanent record, demerit points, and insurance rate hikes. Speak to us first — the consultation is 100% free and there's no obligation.