Ontario Cell Phone Driving Law

[Tiny Titty Lover]

Does anyone know if the handheld cell phone law is now effective?

Does anyone know what the law says about using a stereo bluetooth headset?

Thanks.

 

[Chinook]

new cell phone laws

Q1. When does the legislation take effect?
A1. The legislation will be in effect from October 2009, but it is understood that there will be a consumer awareness and education period initially, where the police will be lenient about violations.

Q2. What devices are not allowed to be used while driving?
A2. Drivers cannot use handheld wireless communications devices while driving. This includes cell phones, BlackBerrys, iPods or other portable MP3 devices, PlayStation portables or Gameboys. Drivers also cannot view display screens on devices that are unrelated to driving such as a laptop or DVD player.

Q3. Does that mean I cannot text message or respond to emails while driving?
A3. Text messaging and emailing are not permitted while driving.

Q4. If I have a hands-free function, such as Bluetooth, can I use my phone while driving?
A4. Yes, using a hands-free wireless communications device, for example a Bluetooth, will be permitted.

Q5. My hands-free device requires me to press a button to accept a call. Will this be allowed?
A5. Yes, pressing a button of a hand-held device that is secured in an accessible place to activate the hands-free mode for an incoming or outbound call is permitted under the legislation.

Q6. Can I use the key pad on my phone to dial a phone number?
A6. No. You can only press a button to accept (or end) a call, or to initiate a voice activated dialing feature.

Q7. What about calls to 911?
A7. All calls to 911 are permitted while driving. However, before placing a call it is advisable to stop safely at the side of the road.

Q8. Will I be able to use a GPS device while driving?
A8. Yes, GPS devices that are mounted on a dashboard or windshield are permitted to be used. You are not permitted to use GPS if it requires you to hold the device in your hand. For example using Google maps while holding your Blackberry in your hand would not be permitted. You are also required to pull over to the side of the road to input addresses into your GPS, you cannot type while driving.

Q9. What are the penalties for using a cell phone while driving?
A9. Fines range from $60 to $500.

Q10. Are there any demerit points associated with an infraction?
A10. There are no demerit points for a violation, however, if the driver causes an accident or injury while driving while using an electronic device they could be charged with careless driving or dangerous driving. Both of these offences have associated demerit points.

 

[Angel1]

I think end of Oct it takes effect..not soon enough as far as I'm concerned

 

[Moraff]

I think end of Oct it takes effect..not soon enough as far as I'm concerned

Last date I heard on the news was beginning of October.... but if they're going to be lenient for awhile it might get to the end of October before they actually start charging.

 

[Twister]

The law says hands free, so if I use a cell with a headset (wired) I should be ok right?

 

[Moraff]

The law says hands free, so if I use a cell with a headset (wired) I should be ok right?

As long as you don't hit more than one button to answer or make a call you should be good I would think.

 

[LadyTY2Uall]

Not soon enough in my opinion either, man I have come close a few times because of idiots yakking away on their phones and not paying attention to the road or other drivers. What gets me is if THEY cause the accident because they are busy texting or talking but I am the one who hits them I am still held responsible. Hmph

 

[Sammy the Bull]

Q9. What are the penalties for using a cell phone while driving?
A9. Fines range from $60 to $500

I dont get this part
A range from $60 to $500??!! Thats a mighty big range.
So which one is it?? The $60 to start, then 2nd offence $500?? Something like that??

 

[fuji]

As long as you don't hit more than one button to answer or make a call you should be good I would think.

The cell phone has to be mounted somewhere. You can't pick it up and press a button to answer--you can have it mounted on your dash and press a button. Most hands-free units have a button on the earpiece/headphone, not sure about that!

 

[djk]

I think this law is crap.

They should draft a law that fines that covers more distractions than just electronic.

A few examples of what I'm referring to:

1) Mom driving with a bunch of kids in the backseat. Kids misbehave, mom turns around to shout at them for 45 seconds while driving.
2) Pet owner is driving with pet. Pet is not secured. Pet jumps into owners lap, covering their face for 50 seconds
3) Drivers eating food, putting on makeup, etc.

Are there current laws that cover this bad behavior? If so, why don't these current laws cover texting while driving, etc?

 

[wangbang]

Not soon enough in my opinion either, man I have come close a few times because of idiots yakking away on their phones and not paying attention to the road or other drivers.

I'm with you. I find most people can't even maintain a proper attention span while walking and talking on a cell phone. The number of people who have walked into me in malls while engrossed in their phone is stunning.

 

[OddSox]

I think using a cell phone = stunt driving. Much simpler - no need for fancy new laws.

 

[out4fun]

At least know I won't get my lunch all over my phone key pad.

 

[oldjones]

Does anyone know if the handheld cell phone law is now effective?

Does anyone know what the law says about using a stereo bluetooth headset?

Thanks.

That "stereo" is maybe a significant little word: Headphones that block both ears are illegal when driving (although cops may not notice the wireless models until you're pulled over) because you cannot hear sirens and horns. Go mono a mono and survive.