[Merged] ** Bill 118 Passed re: cell phone use while driving **

[longitude]

Thought you all be interested in this. Fee of $500 if caught.

(Sorry if there's a thread about this already)



EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1 2009


The Legislative Assembly of Ontario carried Bill 118, an
amendment to the Highway Traffic Act now bans drivers from
using handheld devices with display screens while operating
a vehicle on the road. The bill has undergone several
revisions during its consideration, but the new rules of the
road will be as follows:

- Holding or using a wireless communication device (a cell
phone) or a portable electronic entertainment device (iPod)
while driving is prohibited.
- Commercial GPS units along with similar dashboard-mounted
devices that provide gauges and displays relating to
logistical or navigation uses are fine.
- Using a cell phone or wireless communication device in
hands-free mode, as long as you're not holding it during
use, is fine.
- Using any device while pulled-over or parked in a way
that you are not disrupting traffic, is fine.
- The systems used by Ambulances, Fire Departments, and Law
Enforcement are exempt.

The ban is in effect as of today, September 1 2009 and will
carry a fine of $500. Demerit points will not be included,
but depending upon the violation, police will have the
option to also use existing careless driving laws for
additional penalties.

[casperr]

Is this the whole Canada or just in Ontario?

[camber]

Just Ontario...

Although, other provinces have similar laws.

[pizzaguy]

It is law now, I thought it is effective in October.

[XxXSnake23XxX]

it is law now, i thought it is effective in october.

+1?!

[user01]

GOOD. Thanks God. I have always seen people driving with their cellphone and I swear I hope the cops would catch them. Now is the time! :evil::evil::evil::twisted::twisted::twisted:

[vaportech]

does the majority of the public even know that this is a law now?

I certainly didn't.

They should post these on the info board on the highways.

Such a cash grab if they don't even inform the public.

[Jucius Maximus]

Glad to see this is finally coming into effect.

Time to figure out how my headset's autodialing features work.

[tyfriend]

There definitely need to be some Tv or billboard ads for this.

"No cell phones while driving, It is now the law" or something.

[Paolo]

gotta figure out how to use the microsoft sink system and im good

[yao416]

eek, thanks for posting

[empty265]

Glad to see the law's finally in effect... hopefully we'll see less drivers doing 40 on the 400-series because they were trying to SMS their friends...

***

On the flip side, I'm worried how this law can potentially become another cash-grab...

[tokajim]

I'm glad for this law. I've been almost run over twice the past 3 months just walking on the sidewalk due to people not paying attention/talking on the phone, pulling into a driveway/backing out to turn, without checking behind their vehicle at all. Afterward they always act like I did something wrong as a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk.

[akravator]

What is your source on this?

Searching google for what you have typed up just turns up a bunch of forum websites that have the same message copied and pasted.

This message seems to originally have come from Kris Abel at:
http://krisabel.ctv.ca/post/Breaking-Ontario-Government-Passes-Bill-118-Bans-Drivers-From-Using-Cellphones-Handheld-Devices.aspx

The message is virtually the same but instead of mentioning September 1st it says "Ban will not go into effect immediately"

I may be missing a legit source, but so far it seems like internet mob mentality...

[edit]: all the CTV and CP24 references to this Bill still seem to say "As early as Fall"

[edit2]: For those who still have questions about the Bill here's the summary of the changes.

Forgive the length of my post!

The Bill amends the Highway Traffic Act to prohibit driving with display screens and other devices in motor vehicles, as follows:

Driving a motor vehicle with the display screen of a television, computer or other device visible to the driver is prohibited. The display screens of global positioning system navigation devices, hand-held communication and similar prescribed devices, commercially-used logistical transportation tracking systems, collision avoidance systems and instruments, gauges and systems providing information regarding the status of systems of the motor vehicle are exempted from the prohibition. Drivers of ambulances, fire department vehicles and police department vehicles are also exempted. The Minister of Transportation may provide for further exemptions by regulation.

Driving while holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device or electronic entertainment device is prohibited. Use of such devices in the hands-free mode is exempted. Use of such devices while the motor vehicle is off the travelled part of the road, not in motion and not impeding traffic is exempted. Drivers of ambulances, fire department vehicles and police department vehicles are exempted from the prohibitions respecting hand-held wireless communication devices, as are any drivers using the devices to contact ambulance, police or fire department emergency services. The Minister of Transportation may prohibit holding or using other devices by regulation and may provide for further exemptions by regulation.

The Bill amends the Public Vehicles Act with respect to car pool vehicles, as follows:

The definitions of "public vehicle" and "taxicab" in the Act currently exclude a car pool vehicle. These definitions are amended and the definition of "car pool vehicle" is repealed. Section 1 of the Act is amended to state that a public vehicle and a taxicab do not include a motor vehicle described as follows: with a seating capacity of 10 or less; travelling on a one-way or round trip where the taking of passengers is incidental to the driver's purpose for the trip; no fee is charged or paid for passengers' transportation except to reimburse the expenses of operating the motor vehicle; the driver does not take passengers on more than one one-way or round trip in a day; and the owner or lessee of the motor vehicle does not use more than one vehicle as a car pool vehicle, unless the owner or lessee employs most of the passengers being transported in the vehicles.

[jetway1212]

SO basically this is only for using cellphone? GPS windshield or dashboard mounted is ok?

We really need to improve voice recognition technology.

[at1212b]

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1 2009

WRONG!!

It passed and received Royal Assent on April 23, 2009, but it is NOT EFFECTIVE yet. It still needs to receive Proclamation by the Lt. Governor

From the Ontario Legislature website
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=2099&detailPage=bills_detail_debates&Intranet=
Royal Assent: Thursday, April 23, 2009

Coming into force:
4. (1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent. (this doesn't mean its effective bc its subject to the words just below)

Same

(2) Sections 1 and 2 come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.


Note there are some laws that become effective the day it receives 'Royal Assent'.
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=1256&isCurrent=false&detailPage=bills_detail_debates&Intranet=
Third Reading

Royal Assent:

Coming into force:Royal Assent


And others that become effective by Proclamation (which is by the Lt. Governor at the request of the Government and often the exact date it is effective is not known at the time of Royal Assent)
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=1973&detailPage=bills_detail_debates&Intranet=
Royal Assent: 6/18/2008

Coming into force:
Proclamation.

Still don't believe it? This is straight from the source (the Sponsor of the Bill MPP James Bradley) as I contacted and received a response from him directly since someone else I knew was 'spreading' incorrect information re: Bill 118 earlier this month.

From: Bradley_James-MPP (jbradley.mpp@liberal.ola.org)
Sent: September 3, 2009 2:10:06 PM

The final details of the Bill are still being completed. As of right now, it is projected that the bill take effect sometime in the fall.

I appologize for the vagueness, as details are still being finalized.

Take care,

=====================================
Sent: September 3, 2009 1:31 PM
To: Bradley_James-MPP
Subject: Bill 118

Hello,

I was wondering if it was possible to confirm the effective date of Bill 118? Also, the associated fine? (someone had mentioned it was C$500 for the first offense).

Thank you,

I know it would be wicked to have everybody follow this now, but its still incorrect information here (who knows, might cause road of rage due to the confusion of one against another) and therefore thread title should possibly changed or corrected.

[Jucius Maximus]

SO basically this is only for using cellphone? GPS windshield or dashboard mounted is ok?


http://bestofepicfail.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/faildog.jpg

Read the OP.

[jetway1212]

http://bestofepicfail.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/faildog.jpg

Read the OP.

You have lots of free time to post pics?

Read this dummy:

- Commercial GPS units along with similar dashboard-mounted
devices that provide gauges and displays relating to
logistical or navigation uses are fine.


So the question here is define "commercial". Its not the first time that the law always leaves to the police's discretion

[ShadowVlican]

So the question here is define "commercial". Its not the first time that the law always leaves to the police's discretion
yea, i hope i don't get any trouble for using a GPS (not that i use it WHILE moving)

[Jucius Maximus]

Guys, by "commercial" GPS devices, they are referring to items that are sold comercially, like TomTom, Garmin, etc.

This means that you cannot rig up home homebrew GPS and expect it to fall under the exceptions give by this law. The bill specifically separates GPS and devices used for tracking commercial fleet trucks and such.

[KorruptioN]

I thought there was already something in the books for "driving without care and due attention"?

[Buggy166]

european countries, most, have had this law since late 90's. just grab a car blue tooth ad you're good.

[longitude]

I'm glad this law is in effect.

Way to go Ontario.

[Anonymouse]

The literature shows that drivers who have conversations using handsfree devices are just as distracted as drivers who don't. The only difference is that the handsfree user doesn't have to drop the phone and grab the wheel in an emergency, but this is a pretty small benefit.

The SMS users should be prosecuted with a dangerous driving charge.

[Trifid]

Glad this is coming into effect, I am sick and tired of almost getting into accidents with a$$es who are talking or texting away, only to see them go straight back to it.

Examples:

Saw one douche run a red light and almost hit an old lady because his eyes were fixated on his nokia and had both hands texting away ( i assume he was driving with his knee) :evil::evil::evil::evil::evil:

Worst snow storm last winter an I almost got run off the 407 by some tramp who was definitely driving with her knee as she had a cell phone in between her ear and shoulder, a coffee in one hand and a cig in another... with bald tires to boot - she was all over the highway and didn't seem to care one bit, was too busy chatting away!:evil::evil::evil::evil::evil:

I hope the cops start busting these fkrs... and if you do this you are an epic fail!

[LeStat]

What difference is this going to make if we can still talk on the phone if it's handsfree cell phone? That law is basically implying that driving with one hand is dangerous and not the fact that we are having a conversation on the phone.

Well I always drive with one hand, no matter what. And I'm often eating too while driving. This is the most idiotic law ever. If driving with one hand was really the issue, they should have made it illegal to drive with one hand. If talking on the phone was a distraction, they should make it illegal to talk with anyone sitting in the car as well.

Now they want to reduce speed limit to 50km/h. This country is becoming a joke.

[Tomy]

does the majority of the public even know that this is a law now?

I certainly didn't.

They should post these on the info board on the highways.

Such a cash grab if they don't even inform the public.

i thought it was a huge thing and there were advertisements.. actually articles about it everywhere being proposed, to being passed, etc... if u follow news once a week, u've probably seen/read it somewhere.

ignorant isn't an excuse, just like me... i forgot to opt into a stupid texting plan from Rogers.. was charged over 20$ for txt msging (received over 100 text and sent out 20).. grr..

[Tomy]

What difference is this going to make if we can still talk on the phone if it's handsfree cell phone? That law is basically implying that driving with one hand is dangerous and not the fact that we are having a conversation on the phone.

Well I always drive with one hand, no matter what. And I'm often eating too while driving. This is the most idiotic law ever. If driving with one hand was really the issue, they should have made it illegal to drive with one hand. If talking on the phone was a distraction, they should make it illegal to talk with anyone sitting in the car as well.

Now they want to reduce speed limit to 50km/h. This country is becoming a joke.

at least it's a start... we all gotta start somewhere... and i think this is a great start and there won't be any txting with handsfree

i've noticed the difference using bt or hands free compare to holding the phone.

and for those who had tried in the past, even the best drivers on the phone becomes dangerous drivers.

[trucanuck]

Also ban headphones while driving too many idiots with ipods on.

[LeStat]

at least it's a start... we all gotta start somewhere... and i think this is a great start and there won't be any txting with handsfree

i've noticed the difference using bt or hands free compare to holding the phone.

and for those who had tried in the past, even the best drivers on the phone becomes dangerous drivers.

Why though?

is it because they are only using one hand? everyday i see people use only one hand even though they are not on the phone. and frankly it's easier to drive with one hand, at least for me.

Or is it because they are distracted on the phone by the conversation? Well in reality, the distraction caused when you are talking to someone in your car is exponentially bigger than talking on the phone. You have tendency to look at the person in the car every once in a while when talking, and the conversation is usually deeper.

[Anonymouse]

even the best drivers on the phone becomes dangerous drivers.

Yup. It doesn't matter whether you're on handsfree or not.

www.psych.utah.edu/AppliedCognitionLab/PS-Reprint.pdf

[Jon Lai]

Yup. It doesn't matter whether you're on handsfree or not.

www.psych.utah.edu/AppliedCognitionLab/PS-Reprint.pdf

It's not about talking on the phone. Otherwise they would ban talking inside a car with other passengers, period.

This law is about texting. No texting while you're driving. I think they should add no putting on makeup as well.

[Kellster]

This doesn't mean the usual morons will stop yapping on their phones while driving. They will just pretend that they did not know about the new law. Good luck getting cops to enforce it....speeding tickets are much easier and far more profitable.

[Anonymouse]

It's not about talking on the phone. Otherwise they would ban talking inside a car with other passengers, period.

This law is about texting. No texting while you're driving. I think they should add no putting on makeup as well.

While I agree that texting is certainly the worst behaviour targeted by this law, it also seems to target merely holding a verbal conversation while holding the phone.

Talking with a passenger is far less risky than talking on the phone:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16268934

[Tomy]

Why though?

is it because they are only using one hand? everyday i see people use only one hand even though they are not on the phone. and frankly it's easier to drive with one hand, at least for me.

Or is it because they are distracted on the phone by the conversation? Well in reality, the distraction caused when you are talking to someone in your car is exponentially bigger than talking on the phone. You have tendency to look at the person in the car every once in a while when talking, and the conversation is usually deeper.

1. picture urself tying one hand behind your back and driving, feel the inconvenience it'll cause. Usually, u use your strong hand to pick up the phone to talk as well.

2. finding your phone when it rings, either if it's in ur pocket, a special place in ur car.. u'll need at least a few seconds to find it, look at who's calling, answer it.

3. texting.. enough said.

It is easier said than done, we take it for granted that we have two hands all the time, when danger comes, one of your hand is being occupied with your phone and can't come to your rescue.

i'm not the greatest driver, but i try to improve everytime i drive, try to adjust accordingly, but when I have to pick up the phone, automatically, I can feel my driving skills significantly deteriorated. Majority of us will feel the same way.

As I've said, this law is actually a great start, but as another poster have pointed out, it'll be very difficult to enforce it as speeding will be easier to convict than this.

[srg83]

i'm not the greatest driver, but i try to improve everytime i drive, try to adjust accordingly, but when I have to pick up the phone, automatically, I can feel my driving skills significantly deteriorated. Majority of us will feel the same way.

Yeah...for the most part I feel I have good control over the vehicle but there are times when I can tell, my driving is affected.

Often I just tell whoever is on the other end to hang on for a few minutes if I need to concentrate on driving, but I'm going to make a better effort to at least go hands free.

I'm personally still trying to cut down my texting - even doing it at red lights isn't the greatest thing to be doing.

Time to set up voice dialing on my new phone ;)

[pmc]

Also ban headphones while driving too many idiots with ipods on.

This is already against the law as it impedes your ability to hear your surroundings.

[DJXP]

This is an up to date list & the ban goes into effect October 28th for Ontario!

http://www.canadadrivesafe.ca/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=5

[jrross]

Can anyone suggest a good, reasonably priced bluetooth speakerphone unit that can be mounted in a car to follow the law? Not interested in a headset or earpiece unit.

Thanks

JR

[DLFB]

This law is about texting. No texting while you're driving. I think they should add no putting on makeup as well.

you wouldn't believe how many people do this in the Philippines.

one night, my friend and I went to the bar and had some drinks. we were already tipsy when we left the club...and boy it was one hell of a ride back home. aside from being tipsy already, my boy was texting and driving like a mad man on the road. I thought I was going to die that night. He basically told me "calm down, I always do this" :(

I never put my handset on my ear when I use the cellphone inside the car. I've always used the speaker phone (duh, that's why it's there).

[umop]

What if you use your phone while stopped at a red light? Can you still get fined?

[weedb0y]

Time for Bluetooth headset sales to go up!!

[GangStarr]

What about people who loose an arm? They are still allowed to drive vehicles. Wouldn't they be just as unsafe as someone talking on their phone?

[luism]

ok i agree on use phone but hands free? u caint even use that?

[Matrixvibe]

ok i agree on use phone but hands free? u caint even use that?
Read OP
The bill has undergone several
revisions during its consideration, but the new rules of the
road will be as follows:

- Holding or using a wireless communication device (a cell
phone) or a portable electronic entertainment device (iPod)
while driving is prohibited.
- Commercial GPS units along with similar dashboard-mounted
devices that provide gauges and displays relating to
logistical or navigation uses are fine.
- Using a cell phone or wireless communication device in
hands-free mode, as long as you're not holding it during
use, is fine.
- Using any device while pulled-over or parked in a way
that you are not disrupting traffic, is fine.
- The systems used by Ambulances, Fire Departments, and Law
Enforcement are exempt.

The ban is in effect as of today, September 1 2009 and will
carry a fine of $500. Demerit points will not be included,
but depending upon the violation, police will have the
option to also use existing careless driving laws for
additional penalties.

[liorsyncro]

****! I haven't even seen this on the news!! It's in effect already?! HOLY!! I did not even know!

[AcidBomber]

****! I haven't even seen this on the news!! It's in effect already?! HOLY!! I did not even know!


It's not in effect, yet.

[longitude]

another reason to pass this bill:

http://vidmax.com/video/59823/Chick_tumbles_down_an_open_sewer_hole_because_she_ was_texting_while_walking/

[xdragus]

another reason to pass this bill:

http://vidmax.com/video/59823/Chick_tumbles_down_an_open_sewer_hole_because_she_ was_texting_while_walking/

I bet that mom knows deep down inside that her daughter is an idiot.

I wonder how many accidents involved texting while not knowing you're crossing a red light as well. http://www.dose.ca/news/story.html?id=2009703

I definitely support this bill - people are too stupid for their own good. I've had too many close accidents over the years especially with SUV/Minivan drivers. 80% female, 10% seniors, 10% males :). Almost had one last thursday on the highway.

I was on far right lane going a steady 105. A suv with a woman on the phone changes lane from far left to the middle lane. We drive for almost a minute side by side. Lo' and behold she starts going into my lane and I had to get onto the right shoulder/brake before she hit me. She never saw me at all. She only noticed me when I honked and she was half way into my lane already before swerving back into hers.

[taylyn]

It actually received Royal Assent on April 23, and Bill 118 has been enacted as Chapter 4 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2009. It is law, but it won't come into effect until Proclamation from the Lieutenant Governor. http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_current.do?locale=en#bill118

[darkprince]

Finally tired of seeing drivers talking on their phones when i cross the damn street then they jerk/stop their cars' a little when they finally see me.


http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/59368--cellphone-ban-takes-effect-next-month

True Story (Last Week):

Saw a old lady (60-70 years old) chatting on her cellphone, I believe she was asking for directions going on Yonge street. You can see cars behind her honking as she was slowly moving from Yonge & Queen to Yonge & Dundas. It was ridiculous and funny! =D

[whampoa]

Good news, is nagging wife/girlfriend next on the list?

[tapanpatel88]

I think I am asking a rhetorical question, but is this law in effect starting Sept 1, 2009 OR Oct 26, 2009?

[akravator]

I think I am asking a rhetorical question, but is this law in effect starting Sept 1, 2009 OR Oct 26, 2009?

The answer is no. You are not asking a rhetorical question. . . .


From the Canadian Press (http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iOPnkUkeA_-3mRq1vAl6XDpQauEQ)

Ontario's ban on the use of cellphones, BlackBerrys and other hand-held electronic devices by drivers will take effect Oct. 26.

Motorists can expect a three-month education period when the ban first comes into effect, which means police will show some leniency. But police will begin issuing tickets next Feb. 1.


Ban 'starts' October 26th. No one should get fined explicitly for using a phone/device until February 1st, unless of course a careless driving charge is warranted.

[ur_funneh]

Easy way for pigs to meet their quota in 1 hour.

[Matrixvibe]

another reason to pass this bill:

http://vidmax.com/video/59823/Chick_tumbles_down_an_open_sewer_hole_because_she_ was_texting_while_walking/

"do you want to get your shoe back?" LOL

[slowtyper]

Finally tired of seeing drivers talking on their phones when i cross the damn street then they jerk/stop their cars' a little when they finally see me.


http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/59368--cellphone-ban-takes-effect-next-month

True Story (Last Week):

Saw a old lady (60-70 years old) chatting on her cellphone, I believe she was asking for directions going on Yonge street. You can see cars behind her honking as she was slowly moving from Yonge & Queen to Yonge & Dundas. It was ridiculous and funny! =D

Is that tia tanaka?

[angel_wing0]

It is law now, I thought it is effective in October.

trust me, u'll still see all sorts of ppl driving with their cellphones which sucks. :evil:

[sterdeus]

I heard on 680 news this morning that it will not come until effect until late Oct or latest late Nov. And even then, they will only start to hand out warnings.

[longitude]

Tickets only in February of 2010

[bembol]

It begins tomorrow!!

I'm sure we will get a lot of stories that "it's an Emergency call."

I reminded my family/friends to use their Handsfree/Bluetooth.

[Ebola]

Tickets only in February of 2010

I guarantee you if you are doing something stupid while talking on the phone on Monday, and a cop sees you, and they pull you over, you will get a ticket.

Now will they actually lay the mobile device charge? In that majority of cases, immediately no. They';; go with the old careless charge

[UrbanPoet]

now i have an excuse as to why i didnt pick up my phone...
"sorry bebe. I was driving!"

[longitude]

now i have an excuse as to why i didnt pick up my phone...
"sorry bebe. I was driving!"

Driving the whole afternoon? :D

[bly]

Got stopped by an officer for trying to program an address on my GPS while stopped at a red light. Got off with a warning.

He told me it's best to program the address first before driving or, stop at a plaza/mall before continuing.

[golden]

I thought GPS use is allowed. They just banned "handheld" use of devices, like holding a cell phone or holding an ipod. How about if I have my iPod mounted on the dash?? If I touch it like skipping a song, is that allowed?

[at1212b]

I think this thread should be turned into:

'Anybody been stopped or pulled over under the new Bill yet?' Or 'Seen any blitzes or other drivers getting stopped?' As it would be interesting to see the effects of this on people, enforcement of it... the beginnings of a intended new social behavioural change.

It would also be hilarious if any politicians get caught under this new law (yes, most have drivers, but the chances are still there)

Here's a cartoon/pic that I thought was pretty funny (from today's Globe)
http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/00297/thuedcar29-29050_297041artw.jpg

[emcq29]

is gps mounted on windscreen legal ?it keeps on saying dash mounted devices..do i have to buy a dash mount for it now ????

[fleabaggs]

is gps mounted on windscreen legal ?it keeps on saying dash mounted devices..do i have to buy a dash mount for it now ????

"Many wireless communication devices require users to push a button to activate or deactivate the device's "hands-free" function. This is permitted under the new law. However, in the case of GPS devices, drivers must program and activate their GPS before starting their trip, and not touch the device while driving. "

taken from ontario.ca site.

[TripleHelix]

is gps mounted on windscreen legal ?it keeps on saying dash mounted devices..do i have to buy a dash mount for it now ????

Yes, both of them are, just as long as you are not playing with it while driving...