No. It is illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices. It is also illegal to view display screens unrelated to your driving, such as a tablet in the front seats.
Examples of hand-held devices include:
- iPods & iPads
- GPS
- MP3 players or other music players
- Cell phones & Smart phones
- Laptops and other Tablets
- DVD players or other video players
You may use GPS or cell phone if it is Hands-FREE so long as it does not distract you from driving. A hands-free device is one that you do not touch, hold or manipulate while driving, other than to activate or deactivate it.
If you break this law, you could receive:
- A fine of $225, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $280 if settled out of court
- A fine of up to $500 if you receive a summons or fight your ticket
Careless Driving
If you endanger others because of any distraction, including both hand-held and hands-free devices, you can also be charged with careless driving. If convicted, you will automatically receive:
- Six demerit points
- Fines up to $2,000 and/or
- A jail term of six months
- Up to two-year licence suspension
You can even be charged with dangerous driving (a criminal offence), with jail terms of up to five years.
Exceptions
You can still use hand-held devices while driving in a few cases:
- In a vehicle pulled off the roadway or lawfully parked
- To make a 911 call
- Transmitting or receiving voice communication on a two-way, CB or mobile radio (hand-mikes and portable radios like walkie-talkies require a lapel button or other hands-free accessory)
Police, emergency medical services personnel, firefighters and enforcement officers can also use hand-held devices and viewing display screens when performing their duties.