Legal Wizards
Facing a Distracted Driving Charge?
Answer a few questions to think through a distracted driving charge, including how a repeat conviction changes the picture. This is a guided thinking tool, not legal advice.
Ontario’s distracted driving penalties step up sharply between a first and a second conviction within five years, and novice drivers face a different set of consequences than fully licensed drivers. This wizard walks through those distinctions, based on the details in our Distracted Driving in Ontario guide.
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How to use it
Have your ticket on hand. The wizard asks whether this is a first or subsequent distracted driving conviction within the past five years, and whether you hold a novice (G1 or G2) licence or a full G licence, since both factors significantly change the fine and demerit-point consequences described in our distracted driving guide.
What this wizard can't tell you
It cannot tell you whether you’ll be convicted, predict a specific court outcome, or assess the strength of the evidence in your case. It’s a thinking tool, not legal advice — for guidance specific to your charge, speak with a qualified Ontario legal professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a second distracted driving conviction really carry more points?
Yes. A first conviction is generally treated as the lower tier and carries 3 demerit points, while a second conviction within five years moves into the higher tier and carries 6 demerit points, with the fine structure also increasing. See our distracted driving guide for the full breakdown.
Do novice drivers get demerit points for distracted driving?
No. Novice (G1 and G2) drivers face the same fines as fully licensed drivers but generally do not receive demerit points for a distracted driving conviction, since different consequences apply to novice licences.