P.E.I. distracted driving fines now costliest in country

The fine for talking on a handheld cell phone or texting while driving jumped today in P.E.I., meaning the maximum fines are now the stiffest in the country.

The minimum fine has increased from $250 to $500, while the maximum fine has tripled from $400 to $1,200.

Ontario has the second largest maximum fine at $1,000, says the Canadian Automobile Association.

Besides the larger financial penalties, the number of demerit points levied for distracted driving increases from three to five in P.E.I.

Manitoba also has a five-point demerit system.