The Ontario NDP is pushing for a new law that would make it illegal for drivers to pass on solid double yellow lines.
The proposed legislation, introduced by NDP MPP Jessica Bell, aims to increase road safety by prohibiting drivers from passing other vehicles on roads with solid double yellow lines.
Currently, passing on solid double yellow lines is not explicitly illegal in Ontario, although it is discouraged and can result in a charge of careless driving if deemed unsafe by a police officer.
Bell argues that this is not enough to deter drivers from taking the risk, and that a clear and enforceable law is needed to prevent dangerous passing maneuvers.
The NDP’s proposal would make it an offence for drivers to pass on solid double yellow lines, with a fine of up to $500 and three demerit points on their license. The only exception would be for emergency vehicles or when directed by a police officer.
Bell says that this law would bring Ontario in line with other provinces, such as British Columbia and Quebec, where passing on solid double yellow lines is already illegal.
The proposed legislation has received support from road safety advocates, including the Ontario Safety League and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
CAA spokesperson Teresa Di Felice says that passing on solid double yellow lines is a major concern for their members and that a clear law would help to reduce the number of collisions caused by unsafe passing.
The Ontario Safety League also believes that this law would improve road safety and reduce the number of fatalities on Ontario roads.
However, not everyone is in favor of the proposed legislation. Some argue that it would be difficult to enforce and could lead to confusion for drivers.
In response, Bell says that the law would be enforced in the same way as other traffic laws, and that it is the responsibility of drivers to know and follow the rules of the road.
The NDP’s proposal will now go through the legislative process, where it will be debated and potentially amended before being voted on by the Ontario legislature.
If passed, the law would come into effect in the near future, making it clear to drivers that passing on solid double yellow lines is not only discouraged, but also illegal.
In conclusion, the Ontario NDP is taking action to improve road safety by proposing a new law that would make it illegal for drivers to pass on solid double yellow lines. This proposal has received support from road safety advocates, but also faces some criticism. The fate of the law will be determined through the legislative process, but it has the potential to make Ontario roads safer for all drivers.
