Fines doubled for some Ontario traffic offences

Source: Toronto Sun

ONTARIO - Running a red's going to cost you a lot more green.

Fines for several driving offences will double effective Jan. 1 -- and in some instances quadrupling -- as the government says it wants to get tough with drivers who flaunt the rules.

"Ontario's roads are the safest in all North America, and these tougher penalties for unsafe driving practices will help keep motorists safe," Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said in a statement.

The biggest increase is for failing to pull over and stop for emergency vehicles or for following within 150 metres of a fire truck.

The fine now is $500 but in the New Year begins that jumps to $2,000 for a first offence, along with three demerit points and a possible two-year licence suspension.

A second offence within five years will net a drive a $4,000 fine, three demerit points, a two-year licence suspension and a six-month jail term.

Other fines will double: Running a red light will result in a $1,000 fine, failing to wear a seatbelt or not ensuring a passenger under 16 is properly secured also goes to $1,000 and careless driving or failing to remain at a crash rises to $2,000.

Other maximum penalties for these offences haven't changed, including a two-year licence suspension and six-month jail term.

"Higher fines for convictions will be another effective tool to help make Ontario roads safer ... especially if it gets the attention of irresponsible and reckless drivers," OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino said.

In 2006, the most recent year available, 769 people were killed on Ontario roads or 0.87 for every 10,000 licensed drivers.

The province says that makes our highways the safest in North America.