Alberta Bill 16 Distracted Driving Legislation

Legislation will come into force, after a grace period, in the middle of 2011.

"This law takes a comprehensive, broad approach to the issue of distracted driving and goes beyond electronic devices. In addition to restrictions on talking on a hand held cell phone, there will also be restrictions on:
:texting/emailing
:using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players.
:entering information on GPS units.
:reading printed material
:writing, printing or sketching
ersonal grooming"

The proposed fine would be $172.00

If a driver commits a moving violation while engaged in one these activities, or any other distraction, they could receive a second ticket, including "driving carelessly" which is $402.00 and 6 demerit points.

While you are in your vehicle, in order to make a phone call, or to engage in any activities such as those listed above, your vehicle must be "legally parked"
In order to be "legally parked" you must observe all municipal bylaws of the local area.
To pull off to the side of a highway and park in order to make a call, is not legally parked.
You may not engage in any of the above listed activities while stopped a red light, delayed in traffic or waiting for a train.
This law applies to all vehicles as defined by the Traffic Safety Act. This includes cars, motorcycles, motor homes, truck tractors, farm vehicles and bicycles.

Basically, I am in agreement with the legislation, however, I am wondering about the "legally parked" issue.

If you want more details: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/4213.htm#09

What's it like in your area?

 

apologies for icon, don't know how I put that in there.

 

Ridiculous. So if you are held up on the highway for 30 mins due to an accident and you are completely stationary, you can't use your cell phone? Same goes if you're waiting several mins for a train to pass? Brilliant politicians at work again.

 

My understanding is that the law is discretionary and such cases would likely be overlooked by an officer.