Ottawa police are reminding drivers to put down the cellphone while behind the wheel.
The Ottawa Police Traffic Escort and Enforcement Unit says during one shift this week, an officer issued seven cellphone-related charges.
“Leaving the phone alone is always the best plan when it comes to safe driving,” police said.
Under the Highway Traffic Act, it is illegal to use a phone or other handheld wireless communication device to text or dial or use a handheld electronic entertainment device such as a tablet or portable gaming console.
The fine for using a handheld device while driving is $615 for a first offence, three demerit points and a three-day suspension.
On Saturday, an Ontario Provincial Police officer stopped a driver on Highway 417 for using a cellphone while behind the wheel.
“The driver was watching videos on their phone while driving,” police said.
