Table of Contents
Mobile Technology and Distracted Driving
Last Updated: June 2019
Prepared by CCOHS
This reference document lists the Canadian federal, provincial and territorial legislation controlling and prohibiting the use of mobile telephones and other electronic devices while driving. In addition to explicit legislation, drivers who cause accidents or are driving unsafely while using a mobile device may be charged with offences such as dangerous driving, careless driving, and criminal negligence causing death or injury.
For a more in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the legislative requirements please review the Canadian enviroOSH Legislation service plus Standards service. Where additional information is required, please see the Canadian Governmental Occupational Health & Safety Departments (http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/information/govt.html) for contact information.
This list is prepared by CCOHS as part of the Canadian enviroOSH Legislation service . This service is a comprehensive and easy to search compilation of the full text of Canadian health, safety and environmental legislation and critical guidelines and codes of practice from all jurisdictions. All the legislation is compiled into one convenient location and is regularly updated with amendments highlighted.
Subscribers to this service and paid learners of the CCOHS e-courses have access to the full text of the legislation listed in this document. To become a subscriber please contact Client Services .
OSH Answers
Driving - Using Cellular Telephones and Other Devices
Canada
Livre blanc sur la distraction au volant (décembre 2018)
Table ronde nationale sur la distraction au volant (juin 2018)
Alberta
Traffic Safety Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. T-6
Division 2 Operation of Vehicles
Section 115.1, Cellular telephones, electronic devices, etc.
Section 115.2, Display screen visible to driver prohibited
Section 115.3, Global positioning system
Section 115.3, Prohibited activities
British Columbia
Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 318
Part 3.1, Use of Electronic Devices While Driving
Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, B.C. Reg. 26/58
Section 30.072, Restriction on use of electronic device while driving
Use of Electronic Devices While Driving Regulation, B.C. Reg. 308/2009
Manitoba
Highway Traffic Act, C.C.S.M. c. H60
Part VI, Prohibitions, Offences, and Penalties
Section 214, Certain radio receivers prohibited
Section 215, Use of radio headphones prohibited
Section 215.1, Definitions re hand-operated electronic devices
Cellular Telephones and Other Hand-Operated Electronic Devices Regulation, Man. Reg. 83/2010
New Brunswick
Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.N.B. 1973, c. M-17
Part IV.01, Use of Various Devices While Driving
Newfoundland and Labrador
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.N.L. 1990, c. H-3
Part V, Rules of the Road
Section 176.1, Use of hand-held cellular phones prohibited
Carrier Safety Regulations, C.N.L.R. 1160/96
Nova Scotia
Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 293
Prudent driving and speed restrictions
Section 100D, Cellular telephones
Northwest Territories
Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.N.W.T. 1988,c.M-16
General Rules
Sections 155.1, 155.2
Nunavut
Traffic Act, R.S.N.W.T. 1988,c.M-16 (Nunavut)
Section 239.1, Electronic device
Section 239.2., Screens
Ontario
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8
Part VI, Equipment
Section 78, Display screen visible to driver prohibited
Section 78.1, Hand-held devices prohibited
Prince Edward Island
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. H-5
Part IX, Enforcement
Miscellaneous Offences
Section 291.1, Hand-held devices holding or use prohibited while driving
Quebec
Highway Safety Code, R.S.Q., c. C-24.2
Title VIII Chapter II Division V Distractions While Driving
Saskatchewan
Traffic Safety Act, S.S. 2004, c. T-18.1
Division 6, Operation, Treatment and Use of Vehicles
Section 241, Television prohibited
Section 241.1, Hand-held electronic communications equipment prohibited
Yukon
Motor Vehicles Act, R.S.Y. 2002, c. 153
Part 12, Miscellaneous Prohibitions