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Manitoba Drivers Face Talking & Driving ChargesJuly 14, 2010 As of tomorrow, sending a text message or talking on your phone while driving without the use of a handsfree device could land you a $200 fine if you’re in Manitoba.
"There's a direct connection between use of electronic devices and dangerous driving," said RCMP Insp. Mark LeMaistre, of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police. "Study after study has shown that drivers who talk or text on a hand-held electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle significantly increased their crash risk. In an effort to improve road safety and healthy living, the province has legislated two¹ new laws that take effect today. Enforcement actions begin tomorrow province-wide and these new laws will carry a fine." Manitoba's new law allows cell phone use while driving to make telephone calls if the equipment is a hands-free device and used in a hands-free manner. The law also allows use of a hand-held cell phone, in an emergency, to call the police, fire or ambulance service. Satellite phones, more commonly seen in remote areas, do not fall under the provincial ban because they are federally regulated. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have laws banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving and Alberta recently introduced such legislation. ¹ The new law coincides with the ban on smoking with children under the age of 16 in the car, which also comes into effect tomorrow (also levying a $199.80 fine). Several jurisdictions also prohibit smoking in vehicles with children present, including British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
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