If you’re caught and ticketed for distracted driving in Saskatchewan come February 2020, be prepared to open your wallet and pay some big fines as the fines will more than double.
Beginning February 1, 2020, the first offence for distracted driving will cost you $580, up from the current $280 fine, plus 4 demerit points on your license. If you’re caught a second time, that fine shoots up to $1,400, plus another 4 demerit points for a total of 8 against your license. Not only that, you will also face an immediate vehicle seizure for 7 days, which will cost you more money, approximately $400.
Related: Can you get ticketed for using your display in your Tesla in BC? Maybe
If you’re dumb enough to be caught for distracted driving a third time, be prepared to pony up $2,100, plus another 4 demerit points for a total of 12, plus another 7 day seizure of your vehicle. Not to mention all the demerit points will also cost you money by eliminating all or some of your insurance discounts.
These changes to the fines bring Saskatchewan more in line with the rest of Canada, where the fines range from $500 in the Yukon, up to $615 in Ontario.
How does this impact Tesla drivers and their built-in display that controls most of the vehicle functions? It goes without saying that common sense dictates you shouldn’t be playing with the web browser while driving, or attempting to change some of the more advanced settings in the car. If what you’re doing on the screen results in your becoming distracted, you may end up with a ticket. It will ultimately be up to the discretion of the officer.
h/t [CBC]
