Cell phone use while driving 2008

Hold that call

As of April 1 2008 it is against the law in Nova Scotia to use a hand-held cell phone or text-message while driving.  It is also an offence to smoke in a vehicle if a person under 19 is present - even if a window, sunroof, or door is open.  You can still use a hand-held cell phone if it is an immediate emergency, and using the hands-free function on a cell phone is still allowed. The fine for using a cell-phone or text-messaging while driving is $169.91 (first offence), while the fine for smoking in a vehicle with a minor present is $399.91. [fines as of January 2012]

The cell phone law is an addition to Nova Scotia's Motor Vehicle Act (click here for the wording), and the no-smoking law changes section 5 of the Smoke-free Places Act (click here).  For further information visit the Department of Transportation's website (cell-phone use), or the Health Promotion and Protection's website - (Smoke-free Places Act).

April 2008