Some traffic fines in Ontario will skyrocket on New Year's Day, with some quadrupling in cost.
The OPP is warning of the increases, which could force drivers who fail to stop for an emergency vehicle to pay $490. That is an increase of $380 from the 2009 fees.
Other changes include:
- Seat Belt violations jumping from $110 to $240,
- Child Seat Restraint tickets increasing from $110 to $240,
- Red Light violations are increasing from $110 to $325,
- Red Light violations in a Community Safety Zone, including school zones will jump from $140 to $490
OPP Const. Iain McEwan told ctvtoronto.ca that a Community Safety Zone typically includes the pickup and drop off within 100 metres of a school.
He said there is also an additional victim surcharge on the OPP fines, which is charged by the province to support a fund for the victims of crime. The amount varies per violation.
"Higher fines for convictions will be another effective tool to help make Ontario roads safer...especially if it gets the attention of irresponsible and reckless drivers," OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino wrote in a news release.
