Legislation Prohibits Using Hand-held Cellphones While Driving

Nova Scotia will step up efforts to keep roads safe when a ban on hand-held cellphone use while driving comes into effect on April 1.

Legislation to prohibit hand-held cellphone use and text messaging while driving was passed in the fall session of the legislature.

"Driver distraction is a leading cause of vehicle collisions, whether it's using a cellphone, eating, looking at maps or other things that take your mind and eyes off the road," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Murray Scott. "Prohibiting the use of hand-held cellphones and text messaging is an important move toward reducing driver distraction and making roads safer in Nova Scotia."

Nova Scotia is the second province in Canada to ban hand-held cellphone use while driving. Several other North American jurisdictions have taken steps to address cellphone use while driving.

Penalties are $50 for the first offence, $100 for the second and $200 for the third and subsequent offences. Hand-held cellphone use will only be allowed in emergency situations.

Information on cellphone use and driver distraction can be found on the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/