BC Now Enforcing Handsfree Driving Law

Feb 1, 2010

The grace period is over and motorists in British Columbia will now face fines when caught using a cellphone while driving.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Beginning today, police officers in British Columbia will be enforcing new ‘distracted driving’ laws, fining motorists who use a handheld cell phone or other mobile device behind the wheel.

The law came into effect on January 1st, but up until now the police have only been issuing warning tickets, with no fines or demerit points attached.

“Police have been stopping drivers throughout January to give them warnings about talking on a cellphone, and people seem to be getting the message and changing their behaviour,” commented B.C. Solicitor General, Kash Heed.

An ICBC survey in downtown Vancouver spotted 116 drivers talking on the phone during rush hour in December, but only 31 last week.

B.C. drivers will be fined $167 for each ‘distracted driving’ infraction, and could be subject to a penalty of up to three demerit points on their driver’s license.

Ontario, whose grace period was much longer (their law came into effect on October 26, 2009), is also enforcing the law as of today. Ontario drivers will be fined $155 per infraction, but a driver who challenges the ticket may have the fine lowered to $50 or raised to $500 at the judge's discretion.

Calls made to 911 or other emergency services are exempt from the laws.