Hand-Held Devices Ban in Place

It's now illegal for Ontario drivers to use cellphones,BlackBerries and other hand-held electronic devices.

Drivers can't talk, text or email while behind the wheel, or use portable video games or DVD players.

Global positioning systems are allowed, so long as they're secured to the dashboard.

The only exception to the ban is a 911 call.

Police will be educating motorists for the first three months to stay off the phone instead of handing out tickets.

But drivers can still be charged under existing dangerous or careless driving laws.

Starting February 1st, drivers could face fines of up to $500 if they're caught violating the ban.