Be prepared for a bigger penalty if you’re caught driving while distracted.

 

The new rules, which come into effect tomorrow, say that a driver’s first offence will lead to a roadside suspension of their license for three days, a fine of $672, and five demerit points.

 

Constable Sandy Deibert, from the Thompson RCMP detachment, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that distracted driving isn’t limited to just using your cell phone.

 

She said that distractions are anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off the job of driving.

 

Deibert said added examples outside of cell phones include grooming, eating, drinking, smoking and adjusting audio or climate controls.

 

When it comes to cell phones, however, she said that you can possibly get a ticket for holding your device in a position in which it may be used or looking at the screen.

 

Constable Deibert added that the only exception is if you are calling emergency services in the event of an emergency.