Stricter rules for talking, texting while driving take effect Sunday

HALIFAX – Harsher penalties for using your phone while behind the wheel took effect in Nova Scotia on Sunday.

The new rules mean that, if caught and convicted, talking or texting while driving will result in four demerit points to your license.

Fines for a first offence have jumped from $176.45 to $233.95. A second offence will set you back $348.95 while a third offence will have you shelling out $578.95.

Staff Sgt. Barb Saunders with Halifax Regional Police said the hope is to reduce the number of people using their cell phones while driving.

“Obviously using a cell phone and text messaging causes a distraction for the driver and could lead to motor vehicle collisions or accidents,” she said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Obviously using a cell phone and text messaging causes a distraction for the driver and could lead to motor vehicle collisions or accidents," she said.

Saunders suggests moving your cell phone away while you while you drive so there is not a tendency to pick it up.

Bob Shepherd of Dartmouth said it is a personal pet peeve to see people using their phones while driving.

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“It drives me crazy when I see [people] do it. I just think it’s really dangerous,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It drives me crazy when I see [people] do it. I just think it's really dangerous," he said.

Shepherd said he pulls off the road if he gets a call while driving, and while he wants people to put their phones down when they’re behind the wheel, he questions whether increased penalties are the solution.

“I hope eventually people just stop doing that but I really wonder,” he said.

Shepherd said greater awareness and public education could be stronger avenues to teach people not to use their phones while driving.

Kimberly Feindel, 23, also doesn’t use her phone while behind the wheel.

“I think it’s dangerous and I think we should be completely focused on the road. It takes your attention away from driving and it cannot only affect you but others around you,” she said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think it's dangerous and I think we should be completely focused on the road. It takes your attention away from driving and it cannot only affect you but others around you," she said.

But she is uncertain about whether harsher fines will change habits.

“I don’t think it will change people’s behaviours because they’re so used to using it while they’re driving. It might add some deterrent to it but I’m sure people will still drive and text.”

However, some drivers are hopeful the stricter consequences will send a message.

“I think it will. With harsher penalties, especially the demerit points, that’s a big one. I think people just didn’t take it seriously enough,” said Erich Chmiel.

“If people are facing tougher consequences and getting these demerit points, they’re going to think twice about texting and driving.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If people are facing tougher consequences and getting these demerit points, they're going to think twice about texting and driving."

There are exceptions for people who use their cell phones to report an emergency.