Earlier today, the Ontario Government passed legislation that bans the use of handheld cell phones while driving, and the Ministry of Transportation has just confirmed that we could see this legislation take effect "as early as Fall 2009".

The delay, explains the Ministry, is to "allow for the development of supporting regulations". Naturally, however, Ontario drivers, along with the consumer electronics industry providing devices that permit hands-free chatting, need to be given time to prepare appropriately.

The Bill 118 legislation applies to not just handheld cell phones, but also any other handheld electronic device that can be used in a car. This includes GPS receivers, satellite radio receivers, iPods, and other similar gadgetry.

Drivers can face up to six demerit points and fines of up to $1,000: not $500 as originally expected. Additionally, people using a handheld gadget while driving can still be charged under the already-existing dangerous driving legislation. In cases where drivers are found guilty of this more serious offense, they could face up to $2,000 in fines and five years jail time.

The only exceptions to the hands-free legislation are emergency calls to police, fire department, and emergency medical services (although, like other provinces with similar legislation, the Ministry encourages drivers to "pull off the road" before making a call if they can). First responders will also be exempt from Bill 118; and the Ministry is considering additional exemptions for communications devices that are used to "dispatch, track, and monitor commercial drivers".

Nokia Canada's Richard Lee feels the legislation is a good thing for the safety of Ontario residents, as well as our industry. "I've seen drivers swerve back and forth before, and find that they're talking on their cell phones," he says. "We can't limit what people do, but we might as well do something to make it safe."

Article Tags:  cellular, wireless, bluetooth, ontario, legislation, bill 118, mobile phone, handsfree, ministry, transportation, nokia