TORONTO - Penalties for texting behind the wheel could soon skyrocket in Ontario.
The province's transportation minister says he plans to reintroduce a bill this fall that would increase the maximum fine for distracted driving to $1,000 and three demerit points.
The previous bill died when the June 12 election was called, but Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne vowed it would be reintroduced.
Her party won a majority in the election and Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca says he expects the bill will pass after he revives it during the fall session.
Earlier this year, the Ontario provincial police said distracted driving was becoming the No. 1 killer on the roads.
Fines for distracted driving in Ontario were raised in March to $280, including surcharges, from $155.
