Distracted Driving Laws in Canada

According to the CCMTA’s Distracted Driving Subcommittee, “Distracted driving is the diversion of attention from driving, as a result of the driver focusing on a non-driving object, activity, event or person. This diversion reduces awareness, decision-making or performance leading to increased risk of driver error, near-crashes or crashes. The diversion of attention is not attributable to a medical condition, alcohol/drug use and/or fatigue.” There are various possible driver distractions, including:

  • using electronic devices such as (global positioning system) GPS systems, CD and DVD players, radios, cell phones, laptops, (personal digital assistant) PDAs and MP3 players;
  • reading maps, directions or other material;
  • grooming (e.g. combing hair, putting on make-up or shaving); 
  • eating or drinking; 
  • talking with passengers or tending to children or pets; 
  • visual distractions outside your vehicle, such as collisions, police activity, or looking at street signs or billboards.

Canada is taking its distracted driving problems seriously. Almost all of Canada’s provinces have passed or are considering a ban on use of cell phones while driving.  Alberta’s distracted driving bill, Bill 16 – the Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving) Amendment Act, 2010 also bans activities such as texting, reading, writing and personal grooming, even at red lights.

The table below outlines the Canada’s Distracted Driving Laws by Province and the fines that will be imposed on those who do not comply.

Canada’s Distracted Driving Laws:

 

British Columbia

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held electronic equipment is banned.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: Novice drivers are not allowed to use hands-free electronic equipment.
Effective Date: January 2010
Fine: $167 plus 3 demerit points if texting or e-mailing

Alberta

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held electronic equipment and activities such as texting, reading, writing and personal grooming.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: Hand-held devices to contact emergency services are permitted for drivers, search and rescue and emergency services. CB radios are allowed for commercial purposes.
Effective Date: By mid-2011
Fine: Proposed fine of $172, no demerit points will be issued

Saskatchewan

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held communication devices are banned.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: Novice drivers are not allowed to use hands–free communication equipment.
Effective Date: January 2010
Fine: $280 and 4 demerits points

Manitoba

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held communication devices are banned.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: none
Effective Date: July 2010
Fine: $200

Ontario

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held electronic devices are banned.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: none
Effective Date: October 2009
Fine: $155

Quebec

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held devices that include a telephone function are banned.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: Hands-free devices that include a telephone function are permitted.
Effective Date: April 2008
Fine: $115 – $154 and 3 demerit points

New Brunswick

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held electronic devices are banned.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: Hand-held devices to contact emergency services are permitted for drivers, peace officers, fire and ambulance personnel while performing their duties, commercial vehicle drivers are allowed to use two-way radios
Effective Date: June 2011
Fine: Proposed fine of $172.50 and 3 demerit points

Nova Scotia

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held cellular phones and text messaging devices are banned.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: none
Effective Date: April 2008 and in the process of amending
Fine: $50 – $200. Proposed amendments $225 – $570 and 4 demerit points

Prince Edward Island

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held wireless communication devices are banned.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: none
Effective Date: January 2010
Fine: $250 – $400 and 3 demerit points

Newfoundland

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held electronic devices are banned, including GPS.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: none
Effective Date: April 2003 and updated October 2010
Fine: $100 – $400 and 4 demerit points

Yukon Territories

Prohibitions on hand-held devices: All hand-held electronic devices are banned.
Prohibitions on hands-free devices: none
Effective Date: April 2011
Fine: TBD

Northwest Territories & Nunavut

None

For more information:

Reference:

Written By: Pat Olson

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