Ontario Temporary Exemption has been Extended until January 1, 2021
2020 UPDATE ::
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r20018
2020 UPDATE ::
Distracted Driving in Canada update: Ontario considering permanent two-way radio exemption for Amateurs
We are pleased to report that the Ministry is currently considering making the two-way radio exemption permanent and it has invited comments on this proposal as well as any additional suggestions or comments on how it could minimize distracted driving while supporting economic growth and prosperity in the province.
A summary of these proposals has been posted to Ontario’s Regulatory Registry Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices – Exemption Review(Posting #2019-MTO028) and can be viewed in English or French.
https://www.rac.ca/distracted-driving-ontario-considering-permanent-exemption/
2020 UPDATE ::
Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices - Exemption Review
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) recognizes the importance of creating an effective regulatory environment that accommodates the use of new and innovative vehicle technologies which promote economic growth and prosperity in Ontario. The proposed permanent exemptions for both commercial drivers and CSIS officers would reflect an approach of balancing the safety of road users with the requirements of effective law enforcement and provision of emergency services. Road safety remains a top priority. For the past 17 years, Ontario's roads have been among the safest in North America and MTO continuously strives to maintain and improve on this leading safety record.
In December 2017, the Minister of Transportation extended Ontario Regulation 366/09 (Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices) under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) for a three-year period until January 1st, 2021. This exemption currently allows the following to hold or use a two-way radio:
https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?language=en&postingId=30387
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT - O. Reg. 366-09 - Amateur Radio Ontario Distracted Driving in Canada
For immediate release: December 15, 2017
http://wp.rac.ca/distracted-driving/
Distracted
driving regulations continue to be an area of interest for many
Canadian Radio Amateurs. These regulations are made and enforced by
provincial governments and can vary considerably from province to
province and over time. In Ontario, RAC Directors Allan Boyd, VE3AJB
(Ontario North/East) and Phil McBride, VA3QR (Ontario South) have been
working hard on this issue.
On December 15, 2017, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) announced that the current two-way radio exemption for “Amateur Radio operators and specified commercial, public transit, and public function drivers will be extended for a further three-years, effective January 1, 2018 until January 1, 2021.”
The update to the regulation can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r17475.
While we were hoping for a permanent exemption, this decision by the MTO ensures our continued ability to operate Amateur Radio apparatus while mobile. RAC will continue to press for a permanent exemption going forward.
2020 UPDATE ::
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r20018
2020 UPDATE ::
Distracted Driving in Canada update: Ontario considering permanent two-way radio exemption for Amateurs
We are pleased to report that the Ministry is currently considering making the two-way radio exemption permanent and it has invited comments on this proposal as well as any additional suggestions or comments on how it could minimize distracted driving while supporting economic growth and prosperity in the province.
A summary of these proposals has been posted to Ontario’s Regulatory Registry Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices – Exemption Review(Posting #2019-MTO028) and can be viewed in English or French.
2020 UPDATE ::
Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices - Exemption Review
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) recognizes the importance of creating an effective regulatory environment that accommodates the use of new and innovative vehicle technologies which promote economic growth and prosperity in Ontario. The proposed permanent exemptions for both commercial drivers and CSIS officers would reflect an approach of balancing the safety of road users with the requirements of effective law enforcement and provision of emergency services. Road safety remains a top priority. For the past 17 years, Ontario's roads have been among the safest in North America and MTO continuously strives to maintain and improve on this leading safety record.
In December 2017, the Minister of Transportation extended Ontario Regulation 366/09 (Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices) under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) for a three-year period until January 1st, 2021. This exemption currently allows the following to hold or use a two-way radio:
https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?language=en&postingId=30387
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT - O. Reg. 366-09 - Amateur Radio Ontario Distracted Driving in Canada
For immediate release: December 15, 2017
http://wp.rac.ca/distracted-driving/
Distracted
driving regulations continue to be an area of interest for many
Canadian Radio Amateurs. These regulations are made and enforced by
provincial governments and can vary considerably from province to
province and over time. In Ontario, RAC Directors Allan Boyd, VE3AJB
(Ontario North/East) and Phil McBride, VA3QR (Ontario South) have been
working hard on this issue.On December 15, 2017, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) announced that the current two-way radio exemption for “Amateur Radio operators and specified commercial, public transit, and public function drivers will be extended for a further three-years, effective January 1, 2018 until January 1, 2021.”
The update to the regulation can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r17475.
While we were hoping for a permanent exemption, this decision by the MTO ensures our continued ability to operate Amateur Radio apparatus while mobile. RAC will continue to press for a permanent exemption going forward.
