Cellphone Ban Now In Effect Across Ontario

Cell phone use while driving has been linked to an increased risk in fatal accidents. Yet, in most places, cellphone use is not treated as harshly as other potentially hazardous driving behaviors such as speeding and driving under the influence. However, in Ontario, a new law is now in place which hopes to crack down on the careless driving that results from cellphone use.

As of February, 2010, police officers in Ontario are required to ticket drivers using handheld cellphones, media players, personal data assistants, smart phones and portable video game players. Although this ban has been in effective since October, 2009, a three month grace period was established to help drivers adjust to the new driving regulations. This grace period ended on February 1st, meaning that Ontario drivers using cellphones and other devices now risk getting ticketed and paying hefty fines as a consequence.

According to the government of Ontario, over 3,300 warnings were issued to drivers using handheld devices during the cell phone ban’s grace period. This number is much lower than expected, and as such, the projected number of cellphone tickets to be issued from February on is relatively low. This high level of compliance with the new rules seen thus far has been attributed to the attention the new regulations have seen in the media. Most residents of Ontario are aware of the rules and willing to comply, recognizing the risks of driving while using handheld devices.

Hands free devices are still permitted for use while driving. These devices include media players plugged in to the car’s sound system, cell phones with headsets or ear pieces, and GPS devices mounted to the dashboard. Another important exception is that drivers are allowed to use cell phones to call 911 while driving, in the case of an emergency.

Cellphone Ban Now In Full Effect Across Ontario