I don't think politics has anything to do with it here in British Columbia. The Motor Vehicle Act forbids using electronic devices while driving. The offence is called "distracted driving" and includes (for example) texting, cell phone conversations, personal grooming, searching for music. A popular method of enforcement is using an undercover cop as a panhandler at an intersection. Check your phone while stopped at the light? Get a ticket! Self-entitled soccer moms don't stand a chance.
Like Bozo said it falls under "distracted driving." That category allows police some leeway depending on what you were doing, if it caused an accident etc. It covers more than just cell phones, but that's the most common use of the law. It's rare to hear of the other scenarios being talked about in the news or around the water cooler.
Not the UK. Australia or New Zealand I think.
Distracted driving is illegal here, too, and driving w/o seat belts is considered a primary offense in most suburbs. However, (I'm speculating here) police officers have enough to do without going around citing drivers for these two infractions. Based on my spotting of cell phone use, and the proximity of police cars, they (the cops) have to be ignoring this. I've seen people reading the newspaper (propped on the steering wheel), eating, grooming (lipstick, makeup, combing), swatting at a kid in the back seat, you name it - distracted driving is widely ignored by law enforcement.
I've seen videos of him, including getting arrested, and on Dr. Phil.
I called in a guy I passed on the 401hwy near Toronto who was reading a flipping book while driving! book open on the steering wheel, weaving around and across lanes...moron could have killed someone. I hope he got his ass handed to him by the cops.Like Bozo said it falls under "distracted driving." That category allows police some leeway depending on what you were doing, if it caused an accident etc. It covers more than just cell phones, but that's the most common use of the law. It's rare to hear of the other scenarios being talked about in the news or around the water cooler.
Every province here in Canada does at least a fine. Some also do demerit points off your license, increased fines if you decide to repeat & license suspensions.
Fines range from $172.50 to $3000.00
Distracted Driving in Canada: Laws & Penalties Per Province
What is distracted driving in Canada? Discover the laws and penalties for each province & territory in 2022, and what the rules are around passengers, pets, etc..www.canadadrives.ca
I see handheld cell use here frequently regardless of being in my car or on my bike. Texting, watching videos, phone calls and even video calls. It really gets me riled up when I see those, but I'm personally biased. Everyone knows it's illegal, so it's jut a case of "I don't care."
I think it's just as dangerous as DUI even though it's often "condensed" in time frame. Those few seconds is all it takes though to change someones life.
Somewhat off topic, my wife lost her cousin and spouse to a drunk driver 18 years ago. Luckily the 2 young kids in the back seat survived, although not without injuries. The intoxicated driver also survived and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. (He got 16 years total but the 5 sentences were to be served concurrently, with 5 years the longest single sentence.)
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www.cbc.ca
There's also a video of him in court arguing with the judge. That guy's a real piece of work.
