Effective tomorrow, Manitoba motorists will be legally prohibited from driving while on their hand-held cell phone.
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The province-wide cell phone ban goes into effect July 15 and prohibits the hand-held use of any electronic device, such as a laptop and iPad, among others.
In addition, smoking in a vehicle where a child under the age of 16 is present will also be illegal.
“We are increasing safety on our roads and promoting healthier living for children,” said Steve Ashton, Manitoba’s transportation minister. “And, as of tomorrow, those measures will be backed up with fines.”
The penalty for disobeying each of the laws will carry a fine of $199.80.
Manitoba’s new cell phone ban now joins British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Alberta recently introduced such legislation. Several other jurisdictions also prohibit smoking in vehicles with children present, including British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
The law also allows use of a hand-held cellphone, in an emergency, to call the police, fire or ambulance service.
More information is available at Manitoba.ca/seethesigns.
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