Ontario’s Distracted Driving Law came into effect in October 2009. Police have been issuing tickets since February 1st, 2010. More information available throught the Ontario Ministry of Transportation site.
The distracted driving law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices. Hands-free use of these devices is permitted. The new law also prohibits the viewing of display screens unrelated to driving such as laptop computers or DVD players.
Quick Facts:
- Drivers caught using a hand-held device will be issued a $155 ticket.
- Since the ban on hand-held devices became Ontario law, the Ontario Provincial Police have issued more than 3,300 warnings to drivers.
- Studies show that a driver using a cell phone is four times more likely to be in a crash than a driver focused on the road. Dialing and texting carry the highest degree of risk of all cell phone-related activities.
- If a driver challenges the ticket in court, a judge has the discretion to adjust the fine anywhere in the range of $60 to $500.
- Police, paramedics and firefighters, as well as some commercial drivers and public service workers may continue to use certain hand-held devices when performing their duties. All drivers may use hand-held devices to call 9-1-1.
To check if your phone is Bluetooth enabled, to shop available Bluetooth devices and to explore options available for your vehicle, the following list of sponsors can help:
