Ontario ban on cellphones while driving begins today

If you live in Ontario, today is the day that Bill 118 goes into effect. Bill 118, known as “The Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act” bans the use of hand-held devices and viewing display screens unrelated to the driving task. Drivers are now not allowed to use hand-held wireless communication devices and hand-held electronic entertainment devices unless used in hands-free mode. The ban covers activities such as talking, dialing, texting, and typing emails.

Exceptions include 911 calls, calls while parked on the side of the road, and GPS devices providing voice directions. Emergency services such as ambulances are also exempt.

Drivers caught by the police face a CA$500 fine although the police may simply give drivers a warning for the first three months. Drivers could also be charged careless driving laws and face additional fines, demerit points, license suspension or jail.

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