A NEW YEAR GIFT FOR ALBERTA DRIVERS!!

A new Distracted Driving Legislation in Alberta has become effective as of January 1, 2016. Many of my friends and clients have repeatedly queried about it, and even some of them have already paid price of the new law. We don’t deal with Traffic violations on daily basis, however, I thought it might be a good idea to share information on my blog just for the purposes of sharing the same with general public.

There will be a fine for distracted driving in the amount of $287, plus you will lose three demerit points. The law is applicable to all roads in Alberta.

Under the new law following actions are considered distracted driving:

1. Using hand-held cell phones
2. Texting or e-mailing (even when stopped at red lights)
3. Using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)
4. Entering information on GPS units
5. Reading printed materials in the vehicle
6. Writing, printing or sketching
7. Personal grooming (brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails or shaving)

The activities not specifically restricted under the law are:

1. Using a cell phone in hands-free mode – the device is not held in the driver’s hand and is activated by voice or a single touch to the device
2. Using an earphone – if it is used in a hands-free or voice-activated manner
3. Drinking beverages – coffee, water or pop, etc.
4. Eating a snack
5. Smoking
6. Talking with passengers
7. Listening to a portable audio player – as long as it is set up before you begin driving
8. Calling emergency services such as 9-1-1 with a hand-held cell phone.

SAVE YOURSELF FROM TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS!!!

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Gurpiyar Sandhu (courtesy Alberta Service)