This year will mark some new changes to the highway safety code which will affect drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. The different changes will take effect at different times throughout 2018-2019.

One of the main changes that will happen is with regard to exercising more caution towards vehicles which are considered to be more vulnerable users of the road. A new hierarchy has been set from the larger vehicles such as trucks and cars to the more vulnerable ones which include cyclists and pedestrians.
 

This summer a new law comes in to effect and pertains to cyclists as they will no longer be allowed to hold a cell phone while biking. They will also no longer be permitted to wear headsets while operating a bicycle. However, when it comes to drivers behind the wheel of cars and trucks they will be permitted to wear an ear piece in one ear only. This law will take effect as of June 30, 2018.

Another law which is being updated this year relates to winter tires. This change to the law now requires you to make sure you have installed your winter tires by no later than December 1st. Previously you needed to make sure your winter tires we installed by December 15th. The law now also requires you to now keep your winter tires on until March 15th . This new law will take effect as of December 1, 2019.

A major change coming into the law deals with penalties related to drinking and driving. Now, anyone caught as a repeat offender for driving under the influence will have to install and keep an ignition interlock device on their cars for life. Only after 10 years will the driver be allowed to request a review to have this removed from their cars. Currently, there is no date set yet for when this law will take effect.
 

Other smaller changes coming:

New motorcycles riders will no longer need an accompanying rider. This law will take effect on May 18, 2018.

A new law will make it mandatory for all children up to 9 years old or 145 cm tall to use child seats while ridding in a vehicle. This law will take effect on April 18, 2019.

Fines will now be doubled for anyone caught speeding in a school zone during school hours. This law will take effect on August 1, 2019.

While pedestrians already have the right of way while crossing at pedestrian crossings starting May 18, 2018 they will have the right of way at pedestrian crossings as soon as they indicate their intention to cross.

There are new restrictions coming that will apply to young drivers and to certain types of motorcycles. Starting May 18, 2018 drivers with learner’s licenses will have a curfew and won’t be allowed to drive around between the hours of midnight and 5 am.

Another change coming relates to the amount you will be charged for the following infractions.

 

With all these changes coming its important to stay current and up to date to ensure you don’t get issued a citation for something you were unaware of. Not knowing is not an excuse that can be used to get out of a ticket. Visit Ticket911.ca’ blog for all the latest information and updates. We can help with all your traffic ticket questions and concerns.