Ontario distracted driving legislation and Amateur Radio

Ontario distracted driving legislation and Amateur Radio

Like I said in the writeup, the exemption remains in place until Jan. 1, 2018, so mobile operating is allowed.

Calling All Ontario-based Amateur Radio Clubs and ARES Groups

January 1, 2017 – (e-Laws currency date)
December 17, 2015 – December 31, 2016
January 1, 2013 – December 16, 2015
September 6, 2012 – December 31, 2012
October 26, 2009 – September 5, 2012
September 29, 2009 – October 25, 2009

January 1, 2017 – (e-Laws currency date) December 17, 2015 – December 31, 2016 January 1, 2013 – December 16, 2015 September 6, 2012 – December 31, 2012 October 26, 2009 – September 5, 2012 September 29, 2009 – October 25, 2009

As you may well know, Amateur Radio operators in Ontario are enjoying a time-limited exemption under the Highway Traffic Act's distracted driving regulations, allowing us the use of mobile 2-way communications apparatus until January 1, 2018.

However, that day is approaching faster than we think. Amateur Radio operators have been utilizing mobile communications equipment safely and responsibly since before cellular telephony was popular and affordable. In addition, the equipment that can be found in the vehicles of thousands of hams across Canada translates to an instantly available means of communications in time of disaster - a network of no cost to the served agencies who may depend on it.

Every other Province and Territory in Canada has recognized the value of this fact, amongst others, and have granted us permanent exemptions in their laws respectively. Now it's time to ensure that Ontario does the same.

I am spear-heading the effort to lobby the MTO to make the exemption under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) Regulation 366/09 permanent to all certified Amateur Radio operators, but I need help. I am looking to compile the following documentation from as many individual sources as possible: