Bill 118 – Cellphone Use In Vehicles
We should all be aware of these changes to make our roads a safer place. The Legislative Assembly of Ontario carried Bill 118, an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act now bans drivers from using hand-held devices with display screens while operating a vehicle on the road. The bill has undergone several revisions during its consideration, but the new rules of the road will be as follows:
- Holding or using a wireless communication device (a cell phone) or a portable electronic entertainment device (iPod) while driving is prohibited.
- Commercial GPS units along with similar dashboard-mounted devices that provide gauges and displays relating to logistical or navigation uses are fine.
- Using a cell phone or wireless communication device in hands-free mode, as long as you’re not holding it during use, is fine.
- Using any device while pulled-over or parked in a way that you are not disrupting traffic, is fine.
- The systems used by Ambulances, Fire Departments, and Law Enforcement are exempt.
The ban is in effect as of September 1 2009 and will carry a fine of $500. Demerit points will not be included, but depending upon the violation, police will have the option to also use existing careless driving laws for additional penalties.
