November 25, 2009

Government passes cellphone legislation

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.

For more information, contact:

Tony Playter
Manager of Media Relations
SGI
Phone: 306-751-1837
Email: tplayter@sgi.sk.ca