1. CELL PHONE AND ALL PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
- Cell phone use is always prohibited unless the driver uses a hands-free device. A driver has the right to wear an earphone with only one ear.
1.1. Point of demerit
- The offense of driving while using a cell phone increases from 4 demerit points to 5 demerit points.
1.2. Suspension of license
- If a person has been found guilty in the last 2 years of a contravention of. 443.1 CSR (driving with cell-phone) and he/ she receives a new ticket in connection with this article, his/her driver's license will be suspended immediately for a period of 3 days.
- The period is extended to 7 days if, in the two years preceding the finding of the offense, the person was found guilty of two offenses under section 443.1 CSR.
- The period is extended to 30 days if, in the two years preceding the finding of the offense, the person has been found guilty of more than two offenses under section 443.1 CSR.
Coming into force: June 30, 2018
2. PHOTO RADARS
- Very little used for months, photo radars will resume service this summer. The devices will be used again on a large scale.
Coming into force: now
3. PRINCIPLE OF CAUTION
- A new principle is introduced in the Highway Safety Code: caution.
- This principle concerns all road users. A heavy vehicle must therefore be cautious towards all other smaller users. Other road vehicles must be cautious about the cyclist, as well as the cyclist towards the pedestrian. The most vulnerable users, for their part, are "required to adopt behaviors that promote their safety".
Coming into force: May 18, 2018
4. SEAT BELTS
- Fines become more severe for drivers who do not wear seat belts. They will soon vary between 200$ and 300$.
Coming into force: May 18, 2018
5. DUMP TRUCKS
- Heavy dump vehicles must be equipped with a warning light and buzzer (an audible warning device) .This device will alert the driver when the vehicle is rolling and the bucket is not fully lowered.
Coming into force: April 18, 2019