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Current Legislation

The table below highlights current provincial and territorial laws related to distracted driving. This is presented for information only and may change. Please use the provided links to check for the current information in your area.

Please be aware that distracted driving can result in a criminal charge under the Criminal Code of Canada (section 249) or under your local traffic laws. As well, many employers, including Transport Canada, have policies banning the use of communication devices while driving. Please ask your employer for the details about your workplace policy.

Click on Province Name for Details.

Province/Territory Prohibitions on hand-held devices Prohibitions on hands-free devices Restrictions on other distractions
British Columbia All hand-held electronic equipment is banned. Novice drivers are not allowed to use hands-free electronic equipment. Careless driving legislation; Television sets cannot be visible to the driver.
Alberta Holding, viewing or manipulating a communications device or a hand-held or wireless electronic device is banned. None. With exceptions (for example, GPS systems fixed to the car), electronic screens cannot be visible to the driver; Reading, writing, hygiene or any other activity that distracts a driver.
Saskatchewan All hand-held communication equipment is banned. Novice drivers are not allowed to use hands–free communication equipment. Careless driving legislation; Electronic screens visible to the driver must be attached to the car and can only be used to aid the driver with the task of driving.
Manitoba All hand-held electronic devices are banned. None. Imprudent driving legislation.
Ontario All hand-held wireless communication devices are banned. None. Careless driving legislation; With exceptions (for example, GPS systems), electronic screens cannot be visible to the driver.
Quebec All hand-held devices that include a telephone function are banned. Hands-free devices that include a telephone function are permitted. Careless driving legislation.
New Brunswick

All hand-held electronic devices are banned.

None. 

Also banned: manual programming & adjusting of any GPS navigation system while driving.

Television screens, monitors, DVD players and computer screens not permitted within the visual range of the operator of a motor vehicle.
Nova Scotia All hand-held cellular phones are banned; Text messaging is banned on any communications device. None. Careless driving legislation; Screens cannot be visible to the driver.
Prince Edward Island All hand-held wireless communication devices are banned None. Careless driving legislation; Operational televisions cannot be in any position within a vehicle.
Newfoundland & Labrador All hand-held cellular phones are banned; Text messaging is banned on any communications device. None. Programming GPS when car is in motion is banned; Careless driving legislation.
Yukon Territory Hand-held devices used for talking, texting, or emailing are prohibited. Graduated Driver’s license holders are not allowed to use: hand-held electronic devices for talking, texting or emailing or any hands-free devices. Exceptions: Citizen’s band (CB) and other simple push-to-talk two-way radios may be used.
Northwest Territories All hand-held electronic devices are banned. None. Careless driving legislation.
Nunavut     Careless driving legislation.
Current as of January 5, 2012.
Date modified:
2012-01-05