Are drivers fined $999 and 3 year suspension for using cell phones? Fact Check

A message spreading virally on social media claims that drivers caught using or holding a cell phone will be fined $999 and given a 3 year suspended license, effective from January 2019.

An example of the message as per how it appeared on Facebook can be seen below –

Caught using cell phone, or holding it while driving- $999 fine and 3 yr suspended license as of Jan.2019! Ouch…be aware folks!!

The primary issue with the message is that it fails to reference in which part of the world it is relevant. It is perhaps of no surprise that action against those using phones while driving differs greatly across different countries, and even in different parts of the same country – including the United States where the punitive action depends greatly on individual state laws.

The secondary issue is that we were unable to find any country or vicinity that applies the above mentioned action ($999 fine and 3 year suspended license) to those using a cell phone while driving.

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Given the timing of the original post – January 7th/8th 2019 – it is possible, if not likely, that the post was in response to new “Distracted Driving” laws that came into effect in Ontario, Canada on January 1st 2019.

These laws pertain to, as the name suggests, being distracted while driving, including the use of a cell phone. However, the action taken against those who fall foul of such laws depends on a number of factors, but under no circumstances does the action include a $999 fine and a 3 year suspended license.

In fact, the largest driving suspension according to these new laws, given to a third (or further) conviction, is a 30 day suspension, as well as a $615 fine, as well as 6 points on the licence. A complete outline of those fines and actions can be read below –

First conviction:
a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
a fine of up to $1,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
three demerit points
3-day suspension
Second conviction
a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
a fine of up to $2,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
six demerit points
7-day suspension
Third and any further conviction(s)
a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
a fine of up to $3,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
six demerit points
30-day suspension

Fines for novice drivers differ, but again do not match the fines and action quoted in the original message. As such, we rate the message false.

If you’re interested in finding out the fines for driving with your phone where you live, we don’t recommend listening to social media posts. You can contact the relevant authorities where you live for the most accurate information.