Canada New Legislation In Ontario

FIS53 · Oct 27, 2008

It appears the Liberal government is about to introduce a law to restrict use of electronic devices by drivers. They have included, cell phones, computers, GPS units and blackberries and related devices, e-mailing and text messaging while driving will be an absolute nono. Probably the law will include in case of an accident that the law enforcement office will be able to check you phone, computer etc for e-mail, text, connection stuff at time of accident.

Haven't heard what the fines are yet but I'll update or someone will I'm sure. So a word to the wise, headsets only or bluetooth for cell phone babbling. Will have to see how or what restrictions are on other devices.

Note that this joins Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland-labrador with having electronic device restrictions while driving.

Well now you have an excuse not to answer the dispatcher with those annoying questions about eta and delays.
Rob

pjjjjj · Oct 28, 2008

What will this mean for the drivers paying monthly fees for QCs? They won't be legally allowed to have these on while driving? They will have to go back to using the phones?
How can laws get passed so quickly when they want them to?

FIS53 · Oct 28, 2008

Ok an update....
Cellphones, DVD players (up front), mp3 players, hand held gps devices, video game devices. All these are to be banned if the law passes. Note that secured to the dash GS units are allowed as well as handsfree communications such as a bluetooth or headset.

Fines are to be upto $500 and no demerit points. However the police are being encouraged to charge drivers under the careless driving regulation and therefore the fine is upto $1000 plus 6 demerit points.

have not got a definitive answer to my question with regards to the qualcom type units but it appears that since it requires some sort of typing it is banned unless you are stationary at the road side. Not at a stop light, yeild sign or in stop and go traffic etc but actually pulled over and parked. Waiting for clarification.
Enjoy the last weeks of babbling with freedom.
Rob

OntarioVanMan · Oct 29, 2008

FIS53 said:
Ok an update....
Cellphones, DVD players (up front), mp3 players, hand held gps devices, video game devices. All these are to be banned if the law passes. Note that secured to the dash GS units are allowed as well as handsfree communications such as a bluetooth or headset.

Fines are to be upto $500 and no demerit points. However the police are being encouraged to charge drivers under the careless driving regulation and therefore the fine is upto $1000 plus 6 demerit points.

have not got a definitive answer to my question with regards to the qualcom type units but it appears that since it requires some sort of typing it is banned unless you are stationary at the road side. Not at a stop light, yeild sign or in stop and go traffic etc but actually pulled over and parked. Waiting for clarification.
Enjoy the last weeks of babbling with freedom.
Rob

Then there's no problems....the QC says right on it .."do not use while in motion? Since a lot are teams...ya have a partner to respond to QC.....dispatch can call on your headset..

BTW....No mention of CB's in your list...they are hand held..

FIS53 · Oct 29, 2008

Since the says hand held electronic devices we'll assume that they are also included. Basically if a cop sees you talking or holding it your ticketed as well if you have on headphones (both ears plugged in). Headsets (one ear and mic piece) are allowed. So if you can plugin a headset to the cb then you can use it. Yes I know you have to push the button to babble as do the mike system radios and the bell 10-4 units. So these are going to have some minor problems as well.
Rob

BTW the law may be in effect as of next week.... possibly.

OntarioVanMan · Oct 29, 2008

I don't think it is anything to get bent out of shape about....it'll be enforced like evry other law....whenever a cop wants to get out of the cruiser....I've seen many a persons whipping down the NY Thruway on a phone and a trooper passes and nothing happens....It would be great to get those doing 55 down the center lane out of the way thou....

Lawrence · Nov 2, 2008

One more reason why I despise the nanny state of the Government of Ontario. When will people say enough is enough?

I have family from T.O to Timmins and they all love these regulations...they want MORE like it.

Sheesh...give me a break...coming south of the border faster then you can say "Obama"....