Distracted driving penalties are now similar to those for impaired driving in Manitoba.

Starting November 1, motorists caught using a portable cell phone while driving will get a three-day suspension of their driver's licence and five demerit points. The fine has more than tripled to $672. A second offence will lead to a seven-day suspension.

Statistics from Manitoba Public Insurance in 2016 show more than 11,000 accidents were caused by distracted driving. By comparison, 145 accidents were caused by impaired driving.