TORONTO: Dangerous driving penalties for Ontario drivers shoot up from September 1.
The Ontario government announced on Friday that drivers causing injuries and death will face:
- Fines from $2,000 to $50,000
- Six demerit points
- Suspension of driving license up to five years
- Up to two years in jail
John Yakabuski, Minister of Transportation, said, “Time and time again we’ve seen families devastated because a loved one is hurt or killed by a dangerous driver, and the driver walks away with no more than a slap on the wrist. This new charge sends a clear message that dangerous driving won’t be tolerated.”
Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crossovers, school crossings and crosswalks now face fines up to to $1,000 and four demerit points.
The minister said, “The number of pedestrians being injured and killed on our roads has reached a critical level. Tougher penalties help, but we need everyone to step up and do their part by driving safely and responsibly.’’
Drivers must yield the entire roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings, and other locations where there is a crossing guard, and not drive until pedestrians have finished crossing the road completely.
