Ontarians who use cell phones, MP3 players and other electronic devices while driving have just over three months to change their habits. The Ontario Minister of Transportation has announced that the ban on in-vehicle cellphone use will be enforced starting on October 26.

That doesn't mean that Ontarians won't be allowed to talk and drive at the same time. But they'll have to do so hands-free, which they can if they're wearing a hands-free headset or have installed a hands-free speakerphone in their car.

It's not just talking that's covered by the hands-free law, which was passed last April. Texting, e-mailing and dialling also fall under the restriction, as do the use of other electronic devises such as MP3 Players and navigation systems that are not securely attached to the car's dashboard.

Fines of up to $500 will be handed to any driver caught, but Ministry Officials said traffic officers will comply with a three-month education period with tickets not being written until February 1, 2010.

Ontario is the fourth region in Canada to issues a full ban on hand-held devises while driving. Newfoundland and Labrador were the first in 2002; Quebec and Nova Scotia brought in legislation in 2008 and similar legislation is before regional parliament in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

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