Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the latest province to enact hands-free legislation that prohibits the use of a handheld electronic device, including cell phones, while driving.

The new PEI law will officially come into effect tomorrow: Saturday, January 23, 2010. Fines for offenders will range from $250 to $400, and three demerit points; making it one of the most severe punishments in Canada (most fines hover in the $100 range with the exception of Saskatchewan, where it's $280 and up to four demerit points.) Much like how the situation has been handled in other provinces, officers will begin the process with warnings before dolling out tickets in full force.

Similar legislation is set to come into effect in Ontario, B.C., and Saskatchewan as of February 1; although drivers in all three provinces have been receiving warnings since the beginning of the year (and as early as October 2009 in Ontario). In B.C. and Saskatchewan, drivers under the Graduated Licensing Program, are not even permitted to use hands-free devices; there's a no tolerance policy for them. Legislation already exists in Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and a small county in Alberta called Strathcona; not to mention in several U.S. states and other countries around the world. Legislation in Manitoba is also in its final stages, and expected to come into effect soon.

In 2008, right when hands-free legislation was starting to pop up in Canada, the Standing Committee on Social Development in P.E.I. decided not to impose a ban, but rather to encourage the Department of Transportation and Public Works to educate and inform drivers of the dangers of distracted driving. In a report, the Committee said that drivers should be urged to use hands-free devices, and that "strong warnings" should be issued to drivers about the potential dangers of receiving and sending text messages while driving. The decision was to be revisited within the year; and clearly, key decision-makers in P.E.I. felt it was time to nip the issue of distracted driving in the bud.

The only province yet to consider a hands-free ban is New Brunswick. A spokesperson from the Department of Public Safety told me at the end of 2009 that infractions are covered under driving without due care or attention, where fines can run from $172.50 and demerit points. However, she did admit that the province is studying the decisions being made in other provinces, and may bring options to the table in the near future.

Contrary to popular belief, many of our readers and fellow industry members agree wholeheartedly with the ban; especially those involved with Bluetooth products. Legislation banning the use of handheld gadgetry, not surprisingly, fuels a surge in the sale of Bluetooth headsets and speakerphones. Indeed, while the element of distraction isn't fully combated by holding a conversation using a visor-mounted speakerphone or in-ear headset, it's certainly a safer method than holding one's phone in his hand. And in the end, safety is what it all comes down to.

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