Cellphone Ban Now In Effect For Drivers
Posted October 26, 2009 6:54 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
You’ll need to think twice before you reach for your phone while you’re behind the wheel.
Ontario’s new ban on using hand-held devices while driving takes effect Monday. That means it’s now illegal to talk on the phone or tap the tiny keys of a BlackBerry or other gadget while you’re on the road.
Hands-free devices are still allowed and global positioning systems (GPS) are also still permitted as long as they’re secured to the dashboard.
The only exception to the new rule is a 911 call.
The next three months will be considered an education period, but motorists can still be charged under existing careless or dangerous driving laws. Starting February 1st, anyone caught illegally using a hand-held device behind the wheel could face fines up to $500 .
“Just get rid of the cellphone completely. Wait until you get off the road … wait until you get to a safe location. Let the phone ring or turn it off completely and get your messages later,” OPP Sgt. Dave Woodford advised.
Similar laws are already in place in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
For more on the new law, Bill 118, click here.
