This morning the Ontario government finally set a date for their announced ban on the use of hand-held devices for drivers. The law will start first with a three-month educational period beginning on October 26th and then move into full effect with police writing tickets on February 1, 2010. For many, the new law’s mixture of legalese and technical jargon is confusing. Many of you have written to me asking to explain the difference between “hand-held”, “hands-free”, “wired”, “wireless” and how specifically does the ban handle talking, texting, typing, dialing, and e-mail. Here’s my answer.

Disclaimer: The following is a casual, plain-English explanation of the basic ideas laid out in the government’s cellphone ban. It does not replace the interpretation or explanation used by the law, which will always take precedence. This is a guideline only, and will not help you in any disputes with traffic law enforcement.

The Spirit of the ban.

The law is setting out to make sure that all drivers have both hands, both eyes, and their full attention on the road. The idea is to eliminate any behavior involving electronic devices that gets in the way. Specifically “hand-held” behavior.

What Is Hand-Held Behaviour?

While you are driving, where do you “put” your device? If the answer is in your hand, this is hand-held behaviour.

This can include:

- Holding your cellphone up to your face.

- Holding your cellphone, MP3 player, or similar device in your hand with one hand while placing the other hand on the steering wheel.

- Resting your cellphone, MP3 player, or similar device against the steering wheel in any way.

What Is Hands-Free Behaviour?

While you are driving, where do you “put” your device? If the answer is a place that secures it next to you, either on the seat, cup-holder or dashboard, then you are using hands-free behavior.

A cellphone car mount 

There are a number of accessories that will let you secure your device within your car. You can dock it using a “car mount” or store it using a “travel holder” or by even placing the device in a nearby bag or briefcase, as long as it’s out of the way.

An MP3 player car dock. 

Once docked or stored, you can then use your cellphone with:

- a wired hands-free headset

- a Wireless Bluetooth headset

- a Wireless Bluetooth Speakerbox mounted on your dashboard or clipped to a visor.

- Any software or feature that allows control through voice commands

A wireless Bluetooth headset 

A wireless Bluetooth speakerbox 

Once docked or stored, you can then use your MP3 player or similar device with:

- An audio cable connected to your car’s AUX port, if it has one.

- An FM Transmitter device that sends your device’s audio to the car’s speakers

- An adaptor that connects your device to your stereo system

- Any mounted speaker accessory.

A cassette adaptor for MP3 players 

Can I Still Touch Buttons?

The ban does permit you to occasionally reach over and press a button if needed. You’re not going to get in trouble for using your hands to turn a device on, press the call answer button, or press pause on your music. As long as you quickly return to driving with both hands, both eyes, and your full attention on the road, it won’t be an issue.

FM Transmitter Device for MP3 players 

Recommended Hands-Free Devices

Click here to read my guide on hands-free devices.