The distracted driving law is not expected to be in place until the middle of the year, says Kristen Harding, Lethbridge Regional Police Services spokesperson.
Despite recent buzz, there is currently no legislation stopping people from talking on cell phones.

If someone swerves between lanes while being distracted “there are still other charges that falls under,” says Harding. “The police can charge you for careless driving.”

Bill 16, the Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving) Amendment Act, 2010, received royal assent on Dec. 2, 2010.
Bill 16 would restrict drivers from such things as texting, using hand-held cell phones, entering information on a GPS, reading and personal grooming.
Exemptions to this law are hands-free phones or hands-free radio communication devices. Hand-held devices may be used in emergency situations, as well as two-way radios for commercial purposes and search and rescue services.
The Government of Alberta transportation website states in the coming months, the province will launch a comprehensive public education and awareness campaign to help Albertans understand the details of the new legislation. The proposed fine for an offence is $172.

For more information visit: www.transportation.alberta.ca/distracteddriving.htm.