Earlier this month, the Comox Valley RCMP's traffic services section set up an operation in an effort to identify violators.
In about two hours, 20 violation tickets were issued as a result of drivers using their electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.
As of Jan. 1, 2010, it has been against the law in B.C for drivers to use hand-held cell phones and other portable electronic devices. Included in these prohibitions:
• No operating, viewing or holding hand-held cell phones or other electronic devices.
• No sending or reading emails and/or texting (examples are Blackberry, PDA, cell phone).
• No holding hand-held music or portable gaming devices (examples are MP3 players, iPods).
• No viewing of a television screen.
Any of the above devices can be used if the vehicle is legally parked and not impeding traffic.
May also be used to call 9-1-1 to report an emergency.
RCMP want to remind people that it is not only dangerous to drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic device, it is also illegal. Possible fines under the Motor Vehicle Act include but are
not limited to:
• Section 214.2(1) Use an electronic device while driving — $167 fine.
• Section 214.2(2) E-mailing or texting while driving — $167 fine.
— Comox Valley RCMP