Ontario Bill 118 is Realized after CEMC Advocates on Behalf of Industry

For Immediate Release

TORONTO, ONTARIO - October 6, 2009 -  Recently, the Consumer Electronics Marketers of Canada (CEMC) received notification that Ontario Bill 118, the Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act, 2009 and its supporting regulation will take effect as of October 26th, 2009.  The use of hand-held communication and entertainment devices while driving will no longer be permitted by Ontario law. However, the use of these devices in hands-free mode will still be permitted.  

Following a three-month driver education period that begins October 26, police will begin issuing tickets on February 1, 2010.

Ontario is granting a three-year phase-out period for the commercial use of two-way radios, including mobile and CB radios, to allow for hands-free technologies to be developed. The new law will not affect mobile data terminals, logistical tracking devices and dispatching devices.  They will be exempt for commercial and public service vehicle drivers who are engaged in the performance of their duties.  The regulation also includes an exemption for devices with display screens visible to the driver and which displays the following:  

• Information on the conditions, use and immediate environment of the vehicle, or  
• Information on road or weather conditions;
• An ignition interlock device;
• A car audio control that displays only text or static images;
• A hand-held device that displays only text or static images and is connected directly into and operates using the audio system controls of the motor vehicle.

CEMC was engaged as a stakeholder on the legislation as well as during public consultations leading to the regulations.  Sharon Borda, Manager, Consumer Councils, reiterated the importance of the partnership between industry and government, “We thank our members for their valuable input, and commend the Ontario Ministry of Transport for taking our members concerns into account when drafting regulations, while at the same time ensuring that the serious issue of driver distractions is adequately addressed”.   

A copy of the regulation, O. Reg. 366/09, is available on the Ontario E-Laws website (www.e-laws.gov.on.ca).

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