It’s Canada Day. A day for barbecues, picnics and fireworks.
It is also the day that a three month grace period ends in Quebec for drivers using cellular phones without a hands-free kit.
Violators can attract a fine of $115 plus 3 demerit points and penalties apply even if the drivers are simply spotted with a cellphone in their hands, whether or not there is an active call.
Quebec is the latest province in a trend flowing west from the Atlantic. In 2003, Newfoundland was first to enact a hands-free law, with fines of $400 plus demerit points. Nova Scotia’s legislation came into force April 1 with fines of $165 for a first offence.
All of us are going to need to get used to listening to speakerphone background noise. Will stylish headsets be seen on the runways this fall?
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cellular, hands-free