Ontario’s Hands-Free Cell Phone Law In Force

As of October 26, 2009, Ontario's new "distracted driving" law will make it illegal for motorists to use hand-held wireless communication devices, or any hand-held electronic entertainment devices, while driving. The new law can be found in amendments to the Highway Traffic Act (Act) and a new Regulation under that Act. The prohibition includes hand-held cell phones, texting and e-mailing, although hands-free devices will still be permitted. This new law also prohibits viewing a display screen unrelated to the driving task, such as laptops or DVD players, while driving.

The change in law will be of interest to all persons who drive a motor vehicle in Ontario, including businesses that engage in commercial trucking in Ontario or that have employees who drive personal, company or rental vehicles on behalf of the business while in Ontario. Following a three-month period that began October 26, 2009 and focuses on educating drivers, police will start issuing tickets on