Garneau calls for tough national standard for distracted drivers using cellphones
MONTREAL — Transport Minister Marc Garneau is calling for the creation of a tough national standard to penalize distracted drivers using their cellphones on the road.
Garneau said Wednesday that having consistent national rules with stiffer fines and demerit points could address the growing number of incidents.
While dangerous driving is covered under the Criminal Code, cases involving distraction are a provincial responsibility with fines and demerit points that vary widely across regions.
Provincial penalties for distracted driving range from $80 to $100 plus three demerit points in Quebec to a maximum fine of $1,200 and five demerit points in Prince Edward Island, according to the Canadian Automobile Association.