As the number of infractions continues to rise and collisions continue to result, the stakes are going up for those who persist in driving while distracted. In February 2020, fines and penalties for distracted driving will be changing markedly.

The cost of a distracted driving ticket will more than double from the current $280. A first offence will cost drivers $580 dollars and four demerits on their license. A second offence within a year will result in a $1,400 fine and an additional four demerits along with a seven-day vehicle seizure with towing costs borne by the offender.

A subsequent offence will come with a $2,100 price tag, four more demerits, and another seven-day vehicle seizure. Accumulated demerit points will have an impact on the cost of the driver’s insurance with penalties for every point below zero on the SGI Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) scale.

The government media release noted that police have been issuing more distracted driving tickets than ever before with over 1,000 motorists written up during the months of May and June 2019 alone. It’s a situation that Minister responsible for SGI, Joe Hargrave, says cannot be allowed to continue. 

“Enough is enough. Despite increased enforcement by police and significant awareness efforts by SGI, 22 people lost their lives on Saskatchewan roads in 2018 due to distracted driving or inattention.  That is 22 deaths too many.”

Along with those 22 deaths, the Ministry reports that driver distraction was a factor in more than 6,000 collisions and 774 injuries.

In spite of all law enforcement’s efforts, the figures support the notion that current deterrents aren’t working, hence the increase in the severity of penalties.

For Minister Hargrave, it’s a simple matter.

“Yes, the tickets are costly.  Don’t want to get one? It’s easy.  Put the phone down, keep your head up, and focus on the road.”