Ontario became the latest Canadian province to ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

Ontario’s new distracted driving law, which took effect October 26, 2009, prohibits drivers from using any hand-held wireless communication  or any electronic entertainment devices. Texting and e-mailing while driving are prohibited, but using a hands-free device is still allowed.

In 2003, Newfoundland and Labrador banned the use of cell phones while driving, the first province in Canada to enact such legislation.

Quebec and Nova Scotia have also prohibited driver cell phone use.

Several other provinces, including British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, are now enacting or considering similar bans.

Photo by Mike “Dakinewavamon” Kline (flickr)