Ontario to ban portable electronic device use for novice drivers.

Ontario to ban portable electronic device use for novice drivers.

On October 12, 2006, Bill 135 was referred to Ontario's standing committee on general government to be discussed and considered in committee and private consultation.

Bill 135, The Highway Traffic Amendment Act to prohibit the use of portable equipment by novice drivers, is an act to prohibit novice drivers from using phones and other portable equipment while operating a motorized vehicle. The act defines novice drivers as drivers of any age with a G1 or G2 licence under the graduated licensing system. Novice drivers already have restrictions placed on them including bans on alcohol, driving after midnight, and driving on 400 series highways. This bill removes another distraction from new drivers

While others have proposed prohibiting the use of cell phones by any driver (of any age) of a motorized vehicle, Bill 135, just focuses on the newest and least experienced drivers. Novice drivers need their full concentration on the road and should not be distracted by other things.

Canada's Traffic Injury Research Foundation conducted a study that estimated 4.3 million drivers placed cell phone calls while driving over a 1-week period. The study also found that these cell phone users also tend to have the following characteristics: male, younger drivers, have a job requiring driving, live in urban areas, consume alcohol and then drive, and have received a traffic ticket. Bill 135 takes aim at this demographic.

Newfoundland and Labrador passed a similar law in 2003 that bans the use of hand-held cellphones by all drivers.

At least 14 countries have banned drivers from using cellphones, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Chile, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Africa and Spain.

In November 2001, New York became the first state in the U.S. to ban the use of handheld cellphones by drivers.

Failure to obey this new rule would result in a 30-day licence suspension.

Date published: October 12, 2006

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