As of July 1st, 2021, Ontario’s new safety laws for driving have been implemented. These laws ensure the continuous safety of Ontario’s drivers, along with stricter penalties for reckless drivers. If you have any questions about the effect on your car insurance policy, speak with a member of our team!
What is changing?
A new penalty system for Ontario drivers began its rollout, in stages, on July 1st, 2021. The Moving Ontarians More Safely Act, or the “MOMS Act,” includes stricter penalties for unsafe, high-risk driving. The MOMS Act creates effective safety laws for everyone. Additionally, it improves commercial truck safety, provides protection for cyclists/road workers and provides more oversight on the towing industry.
What are the new penalties in place for street racing or stunt driving?
Previously, the imposed roadside penalty for stunt driving was a seven-day licence suspension AND vehicle impoundment. The MOMS Act has now changed the penalty to a roadside 30-day licence suspension, along with a 14-day vehicle impoundment. After receiving your first offence, you lose your licence for one to three years. Your second offence suspends your licence for three to ten years. Three offences results in a lifetime licence suspension that may see a reduction later. However, after a fourth or subsequent offence, your licence will have a permanent suspension.
How will the MOMS Act provide safety on the road?
The MOMS Act applies a variety of safety measures. There is now an installation of cameras inside streetcars to catch drivers who illegally pass. Additionally, drivers will face charges for hitting cyclists when opening their car door. E-bikes will individually be categorized as bicycle-style, mopeds or motorcycle-style. For truck drivers, new enforcement tools for commercial drivers will be implemented. This is specifically for drivers behind the wheel for an extended period of time.
How will road workers be protected under the MOMS Act?
Road workers will also have protection under these new safety laws. The act authorizes Ministry of Transportation (MTO) enforcement officers to close roads necessarily for emergencies. In addition, automated control devices, or flaggers, will be used on construction sites. This will replace the need for workers to stand on busy roads to stop or direct traffic.
Please contact us for any questions about how the MOMS Act may affect your car insurance policy! Visit ontario.ca for more detailed information.
