Using a cellphone while driving can now turn the device into a very expensive pay telephone. Picture yourself dropping 668 quarters into a pay phone slot.

A law prohibiting the use of all hand held electronic devices went into effect on Jan. 1, but fines kicked in this week — $167 for an offence.

“During the month of January, East Kootenay Traffic Services and Creston detachment members were out educating drivers on the new laws and the importance of paying attention to the road, pedestrians and other cars around them,” Creston RCMP Staff Sgt. Gord Stewart said last week. “From Feb. 1, drivers using devices like cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players and GPS navigation systems can expect a violation ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act.”

Drivers can use hands-free devices that are activated by the use of a single button. New drivers, under the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) are not permitted to use hands-free phones at all. Drivers caught texting or emailing are subject to fines up to $167 and three penalty points.

“To abide by the new law, drivers can use hands-free technology that is activated by a single touch to a button or, when it is safe to do so, pull over and stop their vehicle before they talk or email,” Stewart said.

The new law applies on all public roadways. “Using” an electronic device includes holding it, operating one of its functions, talking on it or watching it. Only one infraction needs to be undertaken for an offence to occur. If the technology requires the use of earpieces, only one ear, not both, can be used.

Members of the public who report other drivers using such devices should be prepared to make a statement in court, Stewart said.

“It isn’t likely that we will find a driver still using an electronic device when we respond to a complaint, unless we are in the immediate area at the time,” he said.

Complaints can be called in on the 911 line or, preferably, to the local detachment at 250-428-9313.

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