Beginning February 1, 2010, police will begin issuing tickets to drivers using hand-held cell phones and communications and entertainment devices while driving in Ontario.
Drivers caught using a hand-held device will be issued a $155 ticket.
Since the ban on hand-held devices became Ontario law on October 26, 2009, the focus has been on educating drivers about Ontario's new road rules for hand-held wireless communication and entertainment devices. This 3-month educational period was provided to give drivers a chance to adjust to the new law.
The distracted driving law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or e-mail using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications & entertainment devices while driving. 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, DVD players and televisions.
Police, paramedics and firefighters, as well as some commercial drivers and public service workers will be allowed to continue to use certain hand-held devices when performing their duties. All drivers may use hand-held devices to call 9-1-1.
