B.C. Police to Begin Ticketing Cell Phone Users

Telecom News Editorials Reports Glossary

2:53 pm on December 22, 2009 | Category: Mobile Devices, Cell Phones, Regulation, Editorials

Police officers in British Columbia are seeking to remind drivers of a forthcoming law that will make it illegal to talk on a handheld cell phone behind the wheel.

The changes to B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act will take effect on January 1 and police will have the authority to issue $167 tickets for talking-and-driving beginning on February 1.

Solicitor General Kash Heed says that the provincial government will evaluate the new law after it takes effect and consider “further restrictions” if “there is still a significant problem with distracted driving.” Such restrictions could include an outright ban on all phone use while driving, even with a hands-free device.

Of course, the government’s effort to eliminate “distracted driving” is misguided and destined to fail. Tuning a radio or talking to a passenger is every bit as distracting as talking on a phone. Perhaps when passengers and radios are also banned, B.C.’s political establishment will finally be happy.