Southern Georgian Bay OPP charge 33 motorists during March Break distracted driving campaign

Southern Georgian Bay OPP say a number of motorists were charged during the force’s distracted driving enforcement campaign this March Break.

During the week-long initiative, the OPP laid a total of 1,508 distracted driving charges across the province, and an additional 51 distraction-related careless driving charges against motorists caught dividing their attention between driving and some other activity.

According to police, 33 drivers were issued infraction notices on roadways in North Simcoe between March 11 and March 17.

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Motorists found driving while distracted now merits a fine of up to $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day licence suspension for a first offence under new, tougher penalties which came into effect across the province on Jan. 1.

WATCH: OPP launch March Break traffic safety campaign (March 12)

1:16 OPP launch March Break traffic safety campaign

For novice drivers under the graduated licensing system, there is no fine or additional demerit points, but longer licence suspensions now apply.

In 2019, police say, the OPP has so far laid over 2,000 distracted driving charges.