TORONTO -- New road rules in Ontario will begin Tuesday that include stiffer fines for distracted driving and rules to help protect cyclists, students and tow truck drivers.
The provincial government says penalties for distracted driving will include an increased set fine of $490 and three demerit points upon conviction.
Drivers without a full license will receive a 30-day suspension for the first conviction for distracted driving.
The Ministry of Transportation says fatalities from distracted driving are projected to eclipse those from drinking and driving by 2016 and a driver who uses a cellphone is four times more likely to be in a crash.
People who "door" a cyclist -- opening a car door that a cyclist crashes into -- will carry an increased set fine of $365 and three demerit points upon conviction and drivers must now give cyclists a one-metre berth when passing them.
Drivers also face stiffer fines when passing too closely to stopped tow trucks and school buses.
