Using a mobile phone while driving in Ontario (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Ontario bans holding or using a phone or other hand-held device while driving, including texting or dialling at red lights; hands-free use is allowed. A first conviction costs CAD 615 (out of court) and 3 demerit points. Novice drivers get licence suspensions of 30 or 90 days instead of points, and lose the licence on a third conviction.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed with limits [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | 615.00 CAD per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 3 points [1] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Using a phone or other hand-held wireless device to text or dial is illegal while driving, including when stopped in traffic or at a red light. A device may only be touched to call emergency services. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | G1, G2, M1 and M2 licence holders pay the same fines but get no demerit points; instead the licence is suspended for 30 days on a first conviction and 90 days on a second, and cancelled on a third, with a restart of graduated licensing. [1] |
Notes
- The page says a hands-free device may be used only to turn it on and off, and a mounted device only to touch a button to make, answer or end a call. Another passage says hands-free devices with an earpiece, lapel button or Bluetooth may be used. The Highway Traffic Act text itself could not be read (the e-Laws site needs JavaScript).
- CAD 615 includes the victim surcharge and court fee if settled out of court. A court can impose a fine of up to CAD 1,000 for a first conviction after a summons or a lost trial. Drivers with G1, G2, M1 or M2 licences pay the same fine without demerit points but face a 30-day suspension.
Sources
- Government of Ontario: Distracted driving (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Ontario and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Banned | Hands-free, touch limited | CAD 615 | 3 points |
| Manitoba | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 672 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Quebec | Banned | Hands-free allowed | From CAD 300 | 5 points |
More rules in Ontario
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervising driver
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power-assisted bicycle · Minimum age: 16 years
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.95 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (7-day suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero if 21 or under or G1/G2/M1/M2
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.