Using cell phone while driving to be outlawed in B.C. by 2010

B.C. Solicitor General Kash Heed has introduced a bill banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

The new law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2010, however, tickets won’t be issued until Feb. 1, 2010.

Motorists will be forced to use a hands-free device or face a $167 fine. If they are caught texting or e-mailing while driving, they will receive an additional three penalty points on their driver’s license.

Any violators who are part of the Graduated Licensing Program will receive the $167 fine and three penalty points for any violation of the new law.

The law also prevents drivers from operating or holding MP3 players or iPods in their hands. Programming or adjusting of GPS systems, is also prohibited, whether or not they are built into the vehicle.

The provincial government states that according to independent research, cell phone use while driving is the number one cause of distracted driving. On average, 117 people in die each year in B.C. due to driver distraction.

Motorists will be permitted to dial 9-1-1 while driving to report an emergency, and any device (cell phone, MP3 player, GPS) can be used as long as the vehicle is legally parked and not stopping traffic. Two-way radios mostly used by the trucking industry are exempt.