Plain Clothes Blitz Results in 99 Charges

In total, 99 charges were laid, which included 77 distracted driving (cell phone) charges. Out of those 77, only four were novice drivers.

Many individuals caught using their cell phones while driving were either texting, changing the song on their playlist, or using a GPS. One individual was caught watching a YouTube video.

The Greater Sudbury Police Service reminds motorists that there is NO excuse for using a handheld device while driving. The only exemption is in the case of an emergency, you may use your phone to call 911. Pull off the road to a safe area to make the call.

While you are driving, including when you are stopped in traffic or at a red light, it is illegal to:

• use a phone or other hand-held wireless communication device to text or dial – you can only touch a device to call 911 in an emergency

• use a hand-held electronic entertainment device, such as a tablet or portable gaming console

• view display screens unrelated to driving, such as watching a video

• program a GPS device, except by voice commands

You are allowed to use hands-free wireless communications devices with an earpiece, lapel button or Bluetooth. You can view GPS display screens as long as they are built into your vehicle’s dashboard or securely mounted on the dashboard.