N.W.T. drivers face licence suspensions for distracted driving starting May 1

Tougher distracted driving penaltiescome into effect in the Northwest Territories on May 1.

People caught using theircellphoneswhile driving for the second, third and fourth time in a two-year period can now have theirlicencessuspended for 24 hours, seven days and 30 days, respectively.

Fines for peopledrivingdistracted 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.

TheNorthwest 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.

About1,200 drivers have been convicted of distracted driving in the territory since the legislationcame into effect in 2012, according to the N.W.T. Department of Transportation.