DISTRACTED DRIVING
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JUSTICEJOLT formerly POINTTS
Defending you since 1987.
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Distracted Driving in Manitoba
- Distracted Driving Laws: Hand-held electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, GPS units) are illegal to use while driving in Manitoba.
- Immediate Consequences:
- First Offense: 3-day driver’s license suspension
- Subsequent Offenses: 7-day driver’s license suspension
- Financial Impact: $672 fine upon conviction
Penalties & Fines
- Long-Term Impacts: Five-level demotion on Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale
- Escalated Charges:
- Additional Violations: Imprudent, careless, or dangerous driving charges possible
- Traffic Violations: Failing to obey traffic signals while distracted leads to separate charges
- Severe Cases: Potential criminal negligence charges with jail time
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is anything that diverts your attention from the road. However, the most dangerous (and preventable) behavior is using a hand-held electronic device while behind the wheel.
DANGER
Texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to crash
Distracted Driving is Dangerous Driving
Here's why:
Reduced Reaction Time
Even a few seconds of distraction can mean the difference between preventing a crash or causing one.
Increased Risk of Collisions
Distractions can cause swerving, missed signals, or missed pedestrians.
Fatal Consequences
One in three deaths on Manitoba roads involves a distracted driver.
Legal Consequences in Manitoba
$672 Fine
Caught using a device while driving? That’s your fine.
5 Demerit Points
Hurts your Driver Safety Rating and bumps up your insurance.
License Suspension
3-day suspension for a first offense. 7 days for the next.
In Manitoba, it’s illegal to use hand-held electronic devices while driving.
If you cause a crash while distracted, you could face charges like careless or dangerous driving—along with more fines, demerits, and serious consequences.
Drive Safe. Drive Focused.
No text message, email, or phone call is worth risking your life or someone else's.
Convenient Virtual Consultations
We offer free consultations by phone or Zoom, so you can get the legal advice you need from the comfort of your home or office.
Whether you're dealing with a traffic ticket or a criminal charge, our team is ready to help—no in-person visit required.
Consultation Hours
Phone/Online/Virtual:
Monday-Friday: 9AM-5PM
Saturday: 10AM-4PM
Call Us
You receive a traffic ticket or summons from a police officer. You can call (204) 818-1182 or book your free consultation online
Free Consultation
Charged? Ticketed? Let’s Fight It Together
Hire us because experience matters. We know the system, we fight in court, and we push for the best possible outcome—no compromises.
Manitoba DSR (Driver Safety Rating) Scale
The Manitoba Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale is a system used by Manitoba Public Insurance to rate drivers based on their driving behavior. It's designed to reward safe drivers and penalize those who engage in risky or illegal driving practices. Here's how it generally works:
Points System: The DSR scale ranges from -20 to +15. Drivers accumulate or lose points based on their driving record.
Rewards: Drivers with positive points on the DSR scale may receive discounts on their vehicle insurance premiums.
Penalties: Conversely, drivers with negative points may face higher insurance costs.
Impact of Traffic Violations: Traffic violations, including the use of hand-held devices while driving, can result in points being deducted from a driver's DSR.
Annual Review: Each year, Manitoba Public Insurance reviews the driving records of all drivers and adjusts their DSR points accordingly.
The purpose of the DSR scale is to incentivize drivers to adhere to traffic laws and safe driving practices, thereby reducing the incidence of accidents and improving road safety overall.
- Consequences of Driving While Suspended:
- Imprisonment: Up to five years.
- Fines: Up to $2,000.
- Licence Prohibition: Non-appealable under the Criminal Code; no option for a conditional licence.
- Lifetime Suspension: Possible under The Highway Traffic Act.
- Additional Costs: Increased driver’s licence premiums upon reinstatement.
Show Cause Hearings
Manitoba Public Insurance may call drivers in due to convictions or collisions appearing on their driving record. This hearing takes place before your licence has been suspended, and we want to do whatever we can to prevent you from getting a licence suspension. Contact our Traffic Ticket Specialists (Bonded Agents) for a Free No Obligation Consultation. Experience Matters.
APPEAL BOARD HEARINGS
You can apply for an appeal to the Licence Suspension Appeal Board (LSAB) to determine if you qualify for a conditional driver's licence. There are specific requirements to appeal to the LSAB depending on what enforcement authority took action against your driver's licence. Contact our Traffic Ticket Specialists (Bonded Agents) for a Free No Obligation Consultation. Experience Matters.
WHO ARE WE?
Manitoba Traffic Ticket Specialists/Court Agents are licensed and bonded by the province of Manitoba.
Discover the difference - your trusted ally for traffic ticket assistance and legal representation. Licensed and bonded by the province of Manitoba, our expert Court Agents specialize in handling traffic tickets, accidents, and offenses under the Highway Traffic Act.
From providing legal advice to representing you in court, we are committed to securing the best outcome for your case. Experience unparalleled support and guidance as we navigate the legal process together.
Choose Us - the standard others strive to imitate.
TRAFFIC TICKETS
- Drive Carelessly
- Drive Imprudently
- Disobey Traffic Control Device
- Disobey Stop Sign
- Disobey Red Light
- Distracted Driving
- Drive No Insurance
- Drive No Licence
- Drive No Registration
- Drive Disqualified
- Disobey Rules When Overtaking
- Follow Too Close
- Pass Stopped School Bus
- Proceed Before Safe To Do So
- Speeding
- Racing A Motor Vehicle
- Use Cellular Device While Driving