(Posted 10:30 p.m., Oct. 25)
Hand-held device ban comes into effect today
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

Starting today, drivers in Ontario will no longer be able to use hand-held cell phones or texting devices behind the wheel of a car.

The hotly debated law makes it illegal to use any type of hand-held device or video device such as a DVD player or portable video game while behind the wheel of a car although Global Positioning Systems can still be used as long as they are properly secured to the dashboard.

The measures are part of the province’s new Distracted-Drivers Law which comes into effect on Oct. 26. Under the new law, drivers will still be able to use hands-free and voice activated devices and they will be able to call 9-1-1 in emergencies.

While the new law comes with a maximum fine of $500, police have been instructed to only issue warnings during an initial three month grace period which will end on Jan. 31.

Police will start issuing fines on Feb. 1, however, no demerit points will be imposed, unlike other provinces were similar legislation has already been passed. But drivers should be forewarned, police will have the ability to lay careless driving and dangerous driving charges in circumstances where they deemed it to be appropriate.

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)

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