Canadian roads are getting safer with six fresh driving regulations rolling out this February 2026. These updates target distracted drivers, impaired motorists, and vulnerable road users while introducing tougher penalties to encourage better habits.
Tougher Distracted Driving Rules
Drivers can no longer touch their phones or devices even at red lights. This zero-tolerance policy covers smartwatches and dashboard screens too, aiming to cut accidents from divided attention. Police now use advanced cameras for enforcement, making it easier to spot violations in real time.
Expect fines starting at $1,000 for first offenses, doubling for repeats within a year. Repeat offenders face automatic license suspensions of 30 days or more, depending on the province. These changes build on existing laws but close loopholes that let drivers off lightly before.
Stricter Impaired Driving Measures
Mandatory roadside drug screening joins breath tests as standard procedure. Zero-tolerance rules now apply to novice drivers and those under 22, with minimum $2,000 fines for any detectable impairment. Ignition interlock devices become required for two years post-conviction.
Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia lead with expanded police powers. A first offense now carries an 18-month driving ban, up from shorter periods. This shift prioritizes public safety by keeping risky drivers off the roads longer.
Harsher Penalties for Repeat Offenders
Anyone with multiple serious tickets in 12-24 months risks vehicle impoundment and mandatory rehab courses. License suspensions jump to 90 days automatically for second distracted driving or speeding infractions. Commercial drivers face extra scrutiny with faster demerit accumulation.
These rules create a graduated penalty system. For example, a second red-light violation triggers both fines and education programs. The goal is rehabilitation over just punishment, though wallets will feel the immediate sting.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Protections
Failing to yield at crosswalks now draws $750 fines, rising to $1,500 in school zones. Drivers must stop fully for pedestrians and maintain a one-meter passing distance for cyclists. Community safety zones get priority with doubled demerit points.
Enforcement ramps up near parks and trails. Vancouver and Toronto pilots show early success in fewer collisions. Cyclists gain explicit right-of-way when signaling turns, forcing motorists to adapt quickly.
| New Law | Key Change | Minimum Fine | Affected Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distracted Driving | No device use at lights | $1,000 | All drivers |
| Impaired Driving | Drug screening mandatory | $2,000 | Novices, under 22 |
| Repeat Offenses | Auto suspension | Varies | Multiple violators |
| Pedestrian Yield | School zone priority | $1,500 | All motorists |
| Cyclist Passing | 1m distance required | $750 | Vehicle drivers |
| Senior Renewals | Vision/medical checks | N/A | Age 62+ |
Senior Driver Renewal Updates
Drivers aged 62 and older must pass vision and medical exams every renewal cycle, now standardized nationwide. Some provinces add knowledge refreshers or road tests for those over 80. This keeps experienced seniors driving safely without blanket restrictions.
Renewals shift to every two years for most, with notifications via apps in Quebec and Alberta. Optometrists report directly to licensing offices. Early data suggests fewer at-fault crashes among compliant seniors.
Graduated Licensing Tweaks
New drivers endure longer supervision before full privileges. Night driving bans extend to 11 p.m., and passenger limits tighten for the first year. High-risk behaviors like street racing trigger immediate G1 revocations.
These adjustments address youth crash stats. Ontario reports a 15% drop in novice incidents from similar past rules. Parents play a bigger role in logging supervised hours digitally.
Enforcement and Tech Rollout
AI cameras in major cities like Calgary and Montreal detect rolling stops and seatbelt lapses automatically. Fines mail out within days, with appeals streamlined online. Provinces share violation data for cross-border tracking.
Budget boosts fund 500 new officers focused on highways. Drones assist in remote areas. Most changes harmonize federal-provincial standards for consistency coast to coast.
Staying Compliant in 2026
Review your license status now and update insurance for new risks. Free workshops start mid-February at service centers. Apps like DriveSmart Canada offer violation trackers and renewal reminders.
FAQs
When do these laws start?
February 1, 2026, with phased enforcement by province.
Do they apply everywhere?
Yes, nationwide framework, but fines vary slightly by region.
How to check my renewal?
Visit your provincial licensing site or app for personalized alerts.
