Cell Phone Ban: Bill 118

[IXFe]

Leeway for truckers... that'll go over nicely.
The I suppose they will need to clearly define what a (trucker) is...
Is a cube van a trucker? or must it have a trailer to be a trucker?

how about a trucker who is off-duty? he is still a professional trucker with all the experience and skills commensurate with his designation as a trucker even though he's texting on his blackberry on DVP during rush-hour in his hatchback.

maybe the exception is for "truckers while trucking".

[bobmutch]

Markdh:
>>>Even drivers using earbuds will have to pull over to place a call. Adjusting GPS units and iPods while behind the wheel also will be off-limits – all welcome restrictions, according to safety officials.

Where did you get this information from?

The bill clearly makes an exception for hands-free mode.

"(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), a person may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while using a device described in those subsections in hands-free mode."

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bil...en&BillID=2099

Here is how handsfree mode is defined in the SCS S338 PDF
permits use of hands-free wireless phones in moving vehicles act in the State of New Jersey.

27 As used in this act, "hands-free wireless telephone" means a mobile
28 telephone that has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped
29 with an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of
30 such mobile telephone, by which a user engages in a conversation
31 without the use of either hand; provided, however, this definition shall
32 not preclude the use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate
33 a function of the telephone.

>>>Only emergency services, drivers dialling 911, and truckers and other commercial drivers will be exempt.

Where do you find the exemption from truckers and other commercial drivers from subsections 78.1

Here is the new 78.1

"78.1 (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device or other prescribed device that is capable of receiving or transmitting telephone communications, electronic data, mail or text messages. Entertainment devices
(2) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a hand-held electronic entertainment device or other prescribed device the primary use of which is unrelated to the safe operation of the motor vehicle.
Hands-free mode allowed
(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), a person may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while using a device described in those subsections in hands-free mode.
Exceptions
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to,
(a) the driver of an ambulance, fire department vehicle or police department vehicle;
(b) any other prescribed person or class of persons;
(c) a person holding or using a device prescribed for the purpose of this subsection; or
(d) a person engaged in a prescribed activity or in prescribed conditions or circumstances.
Same
(5) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of the use of a device to contact ambulance, police or fire department emergency services.
Same
(6) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The motor vehicle is off the roadway or is lawfully parked on the roadway.
2. The motor vehicle is not in motion.
3. The motor vehicle is not impeding traffic.
Regulations
(7) The Minister may make regulations,
(a) prescribing devices for the purpose of subsections (1) and (2);
(b) prescribing persons, classes of persons, devices, activities, conditions and circumstances for the purpose of subsection (4).
Definition
(8 ) In this section,
"motor vehicle" includes a street car, motorized snow vehicle, farm tractor, self-propelled implement of husbandry and road-building machine."

Here is the list of exemptions from subsection (4):

"Exceptions
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to,
(a) the driver of an ambulance, fire department vehicle or police department vehicle;
(b) any other prescribed person or class of persons;
(c) a person holding or using a device prescribed for the purpose of this subsection; or
(d) a person engaged in a prescribed activity or in prescribed conditions or circumstances."

Thanks!

bobmutch

[markdh]

I copied and pasted from the Toronto Star article...
Here's the source:
http://www.thestar.com/article/703627

[roadtoruin]

Anyone catch the daily show yesterday? He had clips of CNN news anchors talking about how driving on a cell is as dangerous as driving drunk and then followed by another clip about how you can get up to date traffic reports on your iphone while driving. Classic.

[eastcoast_gsx]

Anyone catch the daily show yesterday? He had clips of CNN news anchors talking about how driving on a cell is as dangerous as driving drunk and then followed by another clip about how you can get up to date traffic reports on your iphone while driving. Classic.

Same damn reporter... lol.

[TorontoBoy]

This law becomes effective today. Though fines maybe waived until February, the popo can still charge you and summons you to court to find out how much you will pay. There is talk about adding demerit points, like other provinces, so the law has some extra "encouragement".

Starting Monday, Ontario drivers will be the latest Canadians prohibited from using cellphones or BlackBerrys while behind the wheel. Millions of motorists in the country's most populous province are banned from using any hand-held electronic devices to text, e-mail or talk while driving, except for 911 calls...

There will be an “education” period in the first three months where police will show some leniency and, in many cases, simply let drivers off with a warning. But make no mistake – drivers should not assume they're “scot-free” until February, said Sgt. Dave Woodford, a spokesman for the Ontario Provincial Police. Cops still have discretion to lay charges by way of summons under the new law, where the driver would have to go to court to find out how big the fine will be, he said.

source: G&M

[de Jager]

Here's my take on this for those who haven't already read it.

http://www.thelonelyrider.com/2009/1...-sense-of.html