KELOWNA — If you are caught on your phone while driving, you can expect stiffer than ever penalties for it as of today.
Drivers caught talking on a phone without a hands-free device will now be handed three demerit points on their license.
The new penalty also covers infractions like watching a DVD, programming a phone’s GPS and operating hand-help audio players.
The three demerit points are on top of a $167 fine, which was already in place.
The number of points on a driver’s licence eventually affects insurance rates and ICBC is hoping that will deter people from checking their phone or taking a call while driving.
There is currently a review underway to evaluate if the $167 fine should be increased.
The point penalty is not new for texting and driving. That has been in effect since distracted driving laws first came into effect back in 2010.
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