Cell Phone Tickets

In Alberta, using a mobile device while driving can result in a Distracted Driving ticket. This includes not only cell phones (for texting or calls) but also other portable electronic devices such as iPods, tablets, GPS units, and similar gadgets.

The law is specific about what qualifies as “using” a device. It covers situations such as:

• Holding a phone near your ear

• Simply holding a device in your hand

While you are free to read the legislation in full, here’s a simplified summary:

1. Observation by Police:
   If a police officer sees you holding, handling, or appearing distracted by a phone or other device, you are likely to receive a ticket.

2. Proving Innocence is Difficult:
   Even if you weren’t texting or talking, it’s hard to prove otherwise with billing records. Many people have multiple phones or lines, and bills don’t show actions such as reading pre-downloaded emails, starting a text without sending it, or looking at saved photos. These activities don’t create a data trail.

3. Emergency Exceptions:
   The law allows device use for urgent situations, such as documented communication with a doctor, hospital, or police regarding an emergency.