The cellphone prohibition while driving only applies to
hand-held devices. If necessary, drivers may still have telephone
conversations while driving so long as they use hands-free devices
(such as Bluetooth devices). In addition, the law also does not
apply to drivers in vehicles pulled off the roadway, vehicles that
are lawfully parked, to 911 calls, or vehicle display screens that
show information about the vehicle's status. It is clear that
the intent behind the law is to minimize driver distractions -
keeping the driver's hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Drivers who break the law may be required to pay fines, up to a
maximum of $500.
Looking back, some readers may recall that when the new law came
into force, the Ontario government provided drivers with a
three-month period in which the focus for police officers was on
educating drivers about the new law. Following this period,
starting on February 1, 2010, police began issuing tickets to
enforce the
