Using a portable electronic device while driving is strictly prohibited. Simply holding it in your hand or in any other manner while you are driving is prohibited.
If you are at the wheel of a road vehicle in a traffic lane, you are driving. Even when you are stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic, you are driving!
Anyone who disobeys this rule endangers their life and the lives of others. Failure to abide by this rule is an offence subject to a fine, demerit points and, in the case of a repeat offence, an immediate suspension of the driver’s licence.
Such devices include:
Even if their use is authorized, hands-free devices are not a safer option and are not recommended, as the simple act of talking on the phone or making a voice command is a source of distraction.
If you do use a hands-free device, we recommend that you solidly mount your phone on a support device. The phone must not interfere with driving manoeuvres or prevent any equipment from working properly (e.g. an air bag), and it must not pose a risk of injury in the event of an accident.
In Québec, it is prohibited to surf the Web or check your emails while driving, even if you do so using a screen that was installed by the vehicle manufacturer.
Authorized screens display information used for driving. Such screens are usually mounted on the dashboard, or on a console between the two front seats, and display a variety of information, such as:
Other screens are authorized for drivers who carry out specialized activities, including:
Such devices, which include satellite radios and GPS devices, have road safety features that other portable devices, such as cell phones and iPod-type devices, do not.
Any screen that you can see from the driver’s seat and that does not serve to provide information useful for driving is prohibited. Such screens include:
Be sure you respect the conditions for installing and using authorized screens.
Last update: June 3, 2023
