It's official...maybe. Minister Jim Bradley says that the hands-free ban that was confirmed earlier this year for the province of Ontario will "likely" come into effect by October. Starting that month, drivers found chatting on a cell phone or operating a handheld wireless gadget in a car while driving could face hefty fines.

The month of October has been pegged as the likely date for the long-awaited ban to officially come into play, but a representative from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation confirms with Marketnews that while this is a likely scenario, it hasn't been 100% confirmed. Still, Minister Jim Bradley's statements have caused many to speculate that yes, October will be the month of reckoning.

While the use of handheld electronic devices will be strictly forbidden under Bill 118, motorists can still use hands-free accessories, like Bluetooth headsets and speakerphones. Drivers will also be allowed to depress the button requires to power up these units, like portable GPS devices, but no further manipulation of them while driving will be permitted. Fines can go as high as $500.

While the legislation imposed within Ontario is quite strict, other provinces have imposed even more severe terms. In Newfoundland, drivers risk up to four demerit points. While legislation has not yet passed there, the BC government is looking to forbid the use of cell phones with or without a hands-free device in the case of new drivers.

Ontario is the fourth province to enact a hands-free ban. Newfoundland and Labrador was the first back in 2003, followed by Nova Scotia in April 2008, and Quebec in July 2008. Manitoba's legislation is still pending, and BC will likely pass its own form of hands-free legislation by the end of the year.
Note that in all provinces, careless or imprudent driving legislation still exists, and can be used in place of the hands-free charge should a driver's actions fall more appropriately under those stipulations. Many have argued that with such legislation already in place, there's no need to specifically target cell phone or electronic gadget use with separate terms.

Read more about hands-free legislation across Canada, and how to properly prepare yourself and your customers for the change. Stay tuned for further details of the situation in Ontario as they happen.

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