Kanetix Forum

If Ontario's Bill 118 passes what will be the penalties for getting caught talking on a hand-held cell phone?

Ontario¿s Bill 118 is the new law that bans the use of hand-held devices while driving. This includes not only cell phones but also GPS devices and gadgets designed for entertainment (like maybe your mp3 player that you have plugged into your stereo).

According to the Ministry of Transportation¿s website, "Once the new law is in place, drivers who text, type, email, dial or chat using any hand-held device will face fines of up to $500 upon conviction. Hands-free use will still be permitted." It also goes further on to say that : "Police can charge drivers with careless driving if they do not pay full attention to the driving task. A driver convicted of careless driving will receive six demerit points, fines of up to $1,000 and/or a jail term of six months. In some cases, the driver's licence may be suspended for up to two years. This is one of Ontario's toughest rules of the road."