Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions on Ontario roadways. Under Section 78.1 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA), holding or operating any handheld wireless communication device while driving is strictly illegal.

For novice drivers holding a G1, G2, M1, or M2 license, penalties for distracted driving are significantly stricter than those for fully licensed drivers. Rather than receiving demerit points, novice drivers convicted of distracted driving face mandatory, immediate license suspensions upon their very first conviction.

What Counts as Distracted Driving in Ontario?

It is illegal to hold or use any handheld electronic device while operating a motor vehicle—even when stopped at a red light or idling in traffic.

Prohibited Actions Include:

  • Holding or touching a cell phone to text, call, or check notifications.

  • Manually programming a handheld GPS or navigation app while moving.

  • Holding a portable music player or handheld gaming console.

  • Watching video screens unrelated to the driving task.

Permitted Actions (Hands-Free):

  • Using hands-free functions (such as Bluetooth, voice commands, or single-touch activation) provided the device is mounted securely to the dashboard or windshield.

  • Calling 911 in an emergency situation.

Escalating Penalties for Novice Drivers (G1 & G2)

While fully licensed G drivers receive demerit points and 3-day suspensions for a first conviction, novice drivers face mandatory, escalating license suspensions under Ontario's Novice Driver Penalties regulation:

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│             NOVICE DRIVER (G1/G2) DISTRACTED DRIVING PENALTIES         │
├──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────┬──────────────────────┤
│ Conviction Level             │ Mandatory Fine   │ License Penalty      │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────┼──────────────────────┤
│ 1st Conviction (within 5 yrs)│ $615 to $1,000   │ 30-Day Suspension    │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────┼──────────────────────┤
│ 2nd Conviction (within 5 yrs)│ Up to $2,000     │ 90-Day Suspension    │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────┼──────────────────────┤
│ 3rd Conviction (within 5 yrs)│ Up to $3,000     │ License Cancelled &  │
│                              │                  │ GLS Status Revoked   │
└──────────────────────────────┴──────────────────┴──────────────────────┘

The Ultimate Penalty: License Cancellation

If a novice driver incurs a third distracted driving conviction, their driver's license is cancelled entirely. The driver is removed from the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) and must start over from the beginning by re-writing the G1 test and waiting out mandatory holding periods.

To understand how demerit points affect fully licensed drivers, read our breakdown on Ontario's demerit point system.

Auto Insurance Consequences

A distracted driving conviction is classified as a major conviction by insurance underwriters. For a G1 or G2 driver, a single distracted driving conviction can result in:

  • Premium increases of 25% to 100% per year.

  • Cancellation of insurance coverage by standard providers.

  • Requirement to obtain high-risk driver insurance for up to 3 years.

To review legal traffic rules and fine structures, explore our comprehensive guide on mastering Ontario's legal rules and penalties or test your knowledge using our free G1 practice test simulator.