Getting caught sending a text or checking your e-mail while driving is about to get more expensive, according to a government document obtained by 680News.

The base fine for distracted driving will be going up from $125 to $225, but the total amount will be $280 due to a victim surcharge.

The new fines are expected to take effect on March 18.

680News has learned the increased fine is just phase one. Adding demerit points to drivers’ records is also planned for the near future.

Toronto police Const. Clint Stibbe with Traffic Services said the increase is warranted because distracted driving is a major problem.

“Essentially as you’re driving that car, you’re operating that vehicle impaired. You’re swerving all over the roads, your reaction times are increased. Essentially, you’re putting everybody else’s life in danger, not just your own,” Const. Stibbe told 680News.

He also said distracted drivers are 23 times more likely to get involved in a crash.

“I’ve been involved in a collision where an individual was on a cellphone and made a right-hand turn in front of me, and I struck the motor vehicle. It just goes to show you that you cannot do two things at once. You need to focus at the task at hand,” Const. Stibbe said.

Since 2011, Toronto police have laid over 55,000 charges for offences related to distracted driving.

It’s also illegal for drivers to look at display screens, such as laptops, MP3 players, or DVD players, that are unrelated to driving.

According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), driver distraction is a factor in more than four million crashes each year in North America and was the No. 1 cause of fatal crashes on OPP-patrolled roads in 2013.