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British Columbia has adopted amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act that prohibit the use of electronic devices while driving. Electronic devices include cell phones, cell phones that transmit e-mail or text messages, global positioning systems (GPS), and portable music players. Electronic devices with hands-free functions may be used if:
GPS units may be used if the system is securely affixed to the motor vehicle and does not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with the vehicle’s safety equipment. Portable GPS units are allowed if the person does not hold the unit in his/her hand and it is securely affixed to the vehicle. GPS units may be used while driving only if the unit was programmed prior to departure or if the unit is voice-activated.
Hand microphones may be used while operating a motor vehicle if the driver can easily reach the device and the device is affixed to the motor vehicle and does not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with the vehicle’s safety equipment. Hand-held audio players may only be used if the device isn’t in the person’s hand, the device is securely affixed to the motor vehicle, the device does not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with safety equipment, and the sound is played through the vehicle’s sound system. Televisions may be used only if the image on the television is not visible to the driver (the exception is if the television displays information that will help the driver operate the vehicle safely, such as security information related to the load or passengers).
The legislation does not apply to people using electronic devices while stopped off of the roadway, emergency responders (such as police and firefighters), and people calling or sending messages to emergency responders to report an emergency.