Distracted Driving Update – Ontario Regulations Changed

RAC Bulletin 2012-071E - Distracted Driving Update – Ontario
Regulations Changed
2012-12-22

In light of the prorogation of the Ontario Legislature on October 15,
2012, the amateur radio community in Ontario has raised questions
regarding the status of the 5-year extension to the amateur radio
exemption in the Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices Regulations
that was announced by Minister of Transportation Bob Chiarelli on
September 24, 2012. Former RAC Honourary Legal Counsel, Steve
Pengelly, VE3STV, has advised that prorogation would have had no
effect on the announced extension because it was contained in a
regulation passed by an order-in-council.

To further address the concern, Radio Amateurs of Canada is pleased to
inform Ontario hams that Ontario Regulation 253/12, which can be found
at:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2012/elaws_src_regs...
has amended the amateur radio exemption sections of former Ontario
Regulation 366/09. Specifically, the “January 1, 2013” portion of
section 13(1) and the entirety of section 13(2) of Ontario Regulation
366/09 were struck out and replaced with section 3(1) and 3(2) of
Ontario Regulation 253/12, stating the new January 1, 2018 deadline.
The actual amended Ontario Regulation 366/09 can be found at
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_090366_e.htm./

Radio Amateurs of Canada will continue to pursue a permanent exemption
for Amateur Radio operators in Ontario. Similar exemptions already
exist in many other provincial jurisdictions in Canada - thanks in
part to the efforts of local amateurs and RAC's national strategy to
address distracted driving legislation.

Radio Amateurs of Canada is Canada's national voice for Amateur Radio.
Our efforts not only promote the Amateur Radio Service but protect it
from regulatory interference that may lead to less capability to
provide emergency communications. Not already a RAC member? Why not
join today at www.rac.ca and find out about the many benefits our
members enjoy across the country and the world beyond.

It is recommended that you carry a copy of your certificate and a copy
of the exemption in your vehicle.

Jeff Stewart, va3wxm - RAC Ontario South Director/Assistant Chairman -
Ontario distracted driving committee
on behalf of Bill Unger, VE3XT - RAC Director Ontario North - East -
Chairman - Ontario distracted driving committee

Vernon Ikeda - VE2MBS/VE2QQ
Pointe-Claire, Québec
RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor