The Quebec government has rolled out its proposed changes to the Highway Safety Code, and they put a priority on curbing texting and driving.
On Friday, the Couillard Liberals announced 86 new measures — among them, those caught using their phones behind the wheel would have their licences suspended on the spot, for three days. In addition, they'll have to pay stiffer fines — $300 for a first offence.
A second offence would see drivers face a seven-day licence suspension, while a third offence would see you lose your licence for a month. Repeat offenders would also be hit with a $600 fine.
The fines would also apply to cyclists caught using their phones.
More than 30 per cent of fatal accidents in Quebec involve distracted drivers, particularly people caught texting while driving.
Fines for road offenses in general will be beefed up un the new rules, which are subject to a round of public consultations before going to a vote by National Assembly members.
There are also stiffer penalties for drunk driving — anyone caught drinking and driving a second time will have to install a breathalyzer device in your vehicle, which would keep you from being able to start your car if you blow over the legal limit.
The new rules will also be tighter on young drivers, and those with a learner's permit. Drivers with a learner's permit would have to abide by a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew, while drivers under 19 would not be allowed to have more than one passenger of their age or younger between midnight and 5 a.m. in the first six months after they get their licence.
The government is also proposing a change in the deadline date for having your winter tires installed. Next year, the deadline will be moved up to December 1st from December 15th.
And of interest to parents, it’s also being proposed that child safety seats be used until a child is nine years old, or is at least 1.45 metres tall — that's about four feet, eight inches tall.
-CJAD 800's Shawn Dearn contributed to this report.