During the month of November, the Regina Police Service will be on the lookout for drivers who continue to use cellphones while driving, contrary to legislation introduced in Saskatchewan in January of this year.
Under the Traffic Safety Act, section 241.1(1), drivers are prohibited from using hand-held cellphones while driving for: making or receiving phone calls; sending, receiving or reading text messages; sending receiving or reading e-mails; surfing the Intenet; or using 10-4 “push-to-talk” technology. Experienced drivers may use hands-free cellphone devices, but new drivers under the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program may not. All drivers may make a 9-1-1 call in an emergency and may make cellphone calls when parked on the side of the road. The penalty for using a cellphone while driving is $280.00, plus four demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition and Driver Improvement programs.
As the “Traffic Focus of the Month” for November, patrol and traffic enforcement officers will be directing extra attention to detecting motorists who use cellphones while driving. The Regina Police Service encourages all motorists to focus on the act of driving, obey the laws and enhance safety for all users of our roadways.