Prince Edward Island is the latest Canadian province to outlaw the use of cellphones and other mobile devices while driving. The ban took effect on Saturday, January 23rd.
Under the new cell phone law, no one shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device that is capable of receiving or transmitting telephone communications, electronic data, email or text messages.
Such devices include cellular phones, BlackBerrys, IPhones, 10-4 phones, GPS systems or laptops.
Drivers will need to use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth headsets or pull over to the side of the road. 911 calls and calls from emergency vehicles are exempted.
Drivers caught will face fines ranging from CA$250 to CA$400 and up to 3 demerit points. Initially, the police will issue warnings but tickets will soon follow.
Similar bans are already in effect in a number of Canadian provinces including British Columbia and Ontario.