Steven VE3PTA
Distracted Driving Legislation for Amateur Radio
Recently an Amateur Operator in Ottawa was stopped by a member of the local
constabulary for talking and using a microphone while in motion. Unfortunately this
particular officer wasn't aware of the exemption Amateur Radio operators enjoy, and this
ham didn't have a copy of the legislation with him, so he was issued a ticket for distracted
driving. He will most likely end up getting the charges dropped, but he will have to go
through the inconvenience of appearing in court. So this is a reminder to keep a copy of thelegislation
(as well as your Radio Operator's Certificate) with you should you get pulled overin the future. The occurances are rare, but as one Amateur found out, it can
still happen.
The legislation can be found on line at:
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/090366