N.W.T. drivers face licence suspensions for distracted driving starting May 1
Suspensions of increasing length will apply to 2nd, 3rd and 4th offences
Tougher distracted driving penalties come into effect in the Northwest Territories on May 1.
People caught using their cellphones while driving for the second, third and fourth time in a two-year period can now have their licences suspended for 24 hours, seven days and 30 days, respectively.
Fines for people driving distracted in school and construction zones will be doubled, to $644.
Fines may now apply to drivers holding, operating, or even touching a restricted device such as a cellphone.
The Northwest Territories is one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to introduce licence suspensions for distracted driving. In Ontario, novice drivers can receive a minimum 30-day suspension for distracted driving.
About 1,200 drivers have been convicted of distracted driving in the territory since the legislation came into effect in 2012, according to the N.W.T. Department of Transportation.