Twenty-three drivers have received warnings from the Greater Sudbury police under the new distracted driving law, which took effect on Oct. 26.
The new law has banned the use of hand-held wireless communications devices, hand-held electronic entertainment devices and certain display screens.
Ontario drivers are in the three-month grace period where police will issue warnings instead of charges. Nova Scotia, Quebec, and New York state have enacted similar laws, and B.C. is considering adopting distracted driver legislation.
The distracted driving law prohibits the use of handheld devices, such as cellphones or smartphones, to talk, text or e-mail. It is also prohibited to change or program directions on GPS devices while driving, or having display screens visible to the driver unless the device is related to driving (prohibiting the use of DVD players and laptop computers).
Use of the devices is allowed if the vehicle is off the road at a complete stop, meaning that stops at red lights, stop signs, or train crossings are prohibited.
Under the new law, drivers will be allowed to use hands-free communication devices with an earpiece, headset, speakerphone or Bluetooth device.
While there is a three month grace period, police may still charge drivers under the law if they are in an accident or are driving dangerously due to distraction. No charges have been laid to date.
