In Ontario, the ban on “display screens” and “hand held devices” took effect on October 26, 2009. There are two primary charges: viewing a display screen while driving and using a hand-held device while driving.
Display Screens
Section 78(1) of the HTA, which concerns display screens, states:
78(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway if the display screen of a television, computer or other device in the motor vehicle is visible to the driver
Hand-Held Devices
Hand-held communications devices, such as cellphones, are also banned. Specifically, s 78.1(1) states:
78.1(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device or other prescribed device that is capable of receiving or transmitting telephone communications, electronic data, mail or text messages.
The wording of both of these subsections indicates that hand-held devices are not permitted while driving a motor vehicle on a highway. In addition to not using a hand-held device, a motorist cannot even be holding the device while driving. The fine for distracted driving while using a Hand-Held Device i
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