680NEWS

The new law will make it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or e-mail using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices.

Police will start issuing fines up to $500 on February 1, 2010.

An education period will begin October 26 and will last three months.

Studies show that a driver using a cell phone is four times more likely to be in a crash than a driver focused on the road.

"It is not safe to be texting, e-mailing or dialing a phone when you are driving a vehicle. Now it is also illegal," Jim Bradley, the Minister of Transportation, said.

Other studies show that dialing and texting carries the highest degree of risk of all cell phone-related activities.

Police, paramedics and firefighters will continue to be allowed to use hand-held devices when performing their duties. All drivers may use hand-held devices to call 911.

Teens and people under 35 are the most frequent users of cell phones while driving.

Ontario joins more than 50 countries worldwide have similar distracted driving legislation.

Other places in North America include Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, California and New York.