Changes to the Highway Traffic Act in September will bring higher fines for some offences and new rules about passing cyclists.

The set fine for distracted driving is going up from $225 to $400 plus the victim surcharge, court costs and three demerit points.

Drivers should be aware that in addition to smart phones, an iPod, GPS and/or DVD player are all considered a communication or entertainment device.

Steven Del Duca, Ontario's transportation minister, says, "I think when you ask younger people today in particular about impaired driving they know it's an absolute no-go. We need to accomplish, and we will accomplish, the same outcome for distracted driving."

More details on the changes are available on the Ministry of Transportation website.

Amendments to the bicycle section of the Highway Traffic Act to make cyclists safer also take effect next month.

Drivers are required to leave a distance of one metre when passing a cyclist. Failure to do so brings a fine of $85 and two demerit points, while 'dooring' a cyclist will now have a set fine of $300 and three demerit points.

Those fees do not include the victim surcharge and court costs.

Fines for cyclists who don't have the required white light on the front and red light/reflector on the rear of their bicycle are also going up.

The features are required on bicycles 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise. The fine for not complying is jumping from $20 to $85 plus surcharges.

Another update requires motorists to wait until pedestrians are fully clear of an intersection before proceeding.

Additional changes to the Highway Traffic Act are expected in the coming years.