Ontario Traffic Law Shake‑Up (2024–2025): What You Need to Know
1. Collision Reporting Threshold Upgraded (Effective Jan 1, 2025)
Ontario raised the threshold for mandatory collision reporting from $2,000 to $5,000 in property damage. That means minor fender-benders below $5K no longer require police or a collision centre report—unless there’s injury or serious damage. It’s meant to reduce pointless paperwork in a time of rising repair costs. (Instagram, Cottage Life)
2. Stricter Impaired Driving Measures
Starting January 2025:
First-time impaired drivers must install an ignition interlock device—your car won't start if you’re over the limit.
You’ll also be forced into mandatory education and treatment programs.
Licence suspensions have increased, with heavier penalties on repeat offenders. (Cottage Life, isure)
3. Speed Limit Expansion on 400-Series Highways
Through 2024:
Ontario permanently approved 110 km/h speed limits on six highway stretches.
By mid-2025, additional sections across Highways 401, 402, 404, 416, and 406 fall under this higher limit.
Premier Ford has pushed Transportation Minister Sarkaria to roll out 110 km/h across all safe sections of the 400-series system. (Wikipedia, isure)
4. Ban on Handheld Devices While Driving (July 1, 2025)
A new national ban prohibits using smartphones, tablets, GPS units, smartwatches, and entertainment systems in your hands while driving. Only hands‑free or properly mounted devices are allowed. Penalties for distracted driving are now:
$615 fine + 3 demerit points on first offence.
Up to 30‑day licence suspension on repeat offences. (isure)
5. Move‑Over Law & Automated Enforcement Adjustments
Ontario’s move‑over law has been expanded since 2015 to include amber‑flashing tow trucks; drivers must slow down and move over if safe. (Wikipedia)
As of mid‑2025, new provincial rules require municipalities to publish and regulate red‑light camera and automated speed‑enforcement systems—cameras must be clearly marked and contract payments can't depend on violation volume. (Legislative Assembly of Ontario)
6. Toronto Bike‑Lane Reconfiguration Bill
Bill 24 (2025) grants the Minister authority to reconfigure or restore vehicle lanes on streets like Bloor, Yonge, University, and Avenue Road in Toronto by removing bicycle lanes.
Municipalities must operate under provincial oversight, with limited recourse. (Legislative Assembly of Ontario)
This move has stirred major controversy: leaked documents show removing bike lanes could actually worsen congestion, not ease it. (The Guardian)
Why These Changes Matter
Legal thresholds and penalties are getting harsher—don’t assume your minor crash or distracted driving slip-up is no big deal anymore.
Speed limits are higher where conditions allow, but you’ll pay more for being impaired.
Smartphones and odd distractions are now all targets; no exceptions.
Toronto streets are changing—car lanes are increasing at cyclists’ expense. Infrastructure and liability are shifting under the Ford government’s legislative push.
⚖️ Spotlight: Yigal Bendgi, Traffic ‑ Licensed Paralegal
Yigal Bendgi is a licensed paralegal in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, based in Toronto, Ontario, proudly defending drivers across the GTA in traffic‑related cases—including speeding, stunt driving, provincial offences, and collision disputes.
He’s been working in the field since at least 2010, specializing in traffic-ticket defence and provincial offences, with deep experience navigating Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
If you’ve been hit with a ticket you think is unfair—stunt driving, HOV misuse, distracted device use—Bendgi understands both the legal terrain and procedural playbook.
Final Take
Ontario’s traffic rules just got more complicated—and less forgiving. Collision thresholds jumped. Impaired driving and distraction penalties are steeper. Speed limits expanded. Bill 24 could reshape Toronto roads by stripping bike lanes. If you're in trouble over a traffic ticket or facing administrative penalties, get someone who knows the system locked down. Yigal Bendgi offers that legal edge from right here in Toronto.
