November 25, 2009 – Legislation banning the use of hand-held cellphones while driving, passed through third and final reading today and will become law Jan. 1, 2010.
“Distracted driving is a serious road safety issue,” said Minister responsible for SGI June Draude, �With the passing of this law we are fulfilling our commitment to make provincial roadways safer.�
The new law prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cellphones to talk, text, email or surf the Internet while driving.
Experienced drivers will be allowed to use hands-free devices while driving. New drivers, meaning drivers in Saskatchewan’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing program, will not be able to use cellphones of any type while operating a motor vehicle.
The penalty for an offence associated with this law will be $280, which includes a victims’ surcharge of $60, and four demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition and Driver Improvement programs.
In addition to the cellphone ban, legislation for the new one-part, five-year driver’s licence and identification card was also passed. SGI customers will receive their new one-part licence starting Jan. 1, 2011, when they renew their expired two-part driver’s licence.
About SGI
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province’s self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan with a head office in Regina. SGI also works with a network of over 400 motor licence issuers across the province. www.sgi.sk.ca
