– File photo
The 10 officers who currently make up the DRU have a broad mandate when it comes to helping keep the community safe. Traffic enforcement is at the top of that list and each officer has a particular enforcement interest, be it impaired driving, speeding, commercial vehicle inspections, distracted driving or prohibited and suspended drivers.
During March DRU officers will be asked to do even more when it comes to distracted driving.
The penalty for driving a motor vehicle while holding or using a cell phone is a fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $490 if settled out of court. If a driver receives a summons or chooses to fight the ticket they could face a fine up to $1,000; upon conviction the driver receives three demerit points.
It is illegal to hold or use phones when stopped at a light with the exception of calling 911 for an emergency.
Source: InsideHalton.com