Quebec's transport minister is considering toughening sanctions against drivers who are caught texting, including hitting them with four demerit points.
Robert Poeti told a news conference in Quebec City Wednesday that it's time for action after various awareness campaigns.
Discussions on possible sanctions are being held with Quebec's automobile insurance board, including demerit points.
Many drivers have attempted to challenge their cell-phone driving tickets in court.
In 2010 Nicolas Perrette argued that he should not be ticketed, as he was not actually holding a phone as banned by law, as he was cradling it on his shoulder. A judge said that a driver didn't have to actually be holding a phone in his hand and blamed a poor translation of the law. He upheld his $80 fine.
One year earlier Camelina Miceli admitted to holding a Blackberry behind the wheel but argued that she should not be fined because the smartphone had only texting functions. The judge upheld the fine.
Some motorists have been fined for using a cellphone even after they pulled their car over to a stop. In February 2010 Constantino Chadjiioannou attempted to overturn a fine after pulling over on Acadie to take a call. A judge upheld the fine.
However in roughly similar circumstances a judge acquited motorist Michael Laucke of an $80 fine after he pulled his car over to complete a phone call near Girouard and Sherbrooke in 2012.
Number of tickets given for drivers caught with a cell phone behind the wheel, according to Quebec's Transport Ministry:
-With a file from The Canadian Press
