MTO Proposes to Extend Exemption on CB Radio Ban

The province of Ontario, in its wisdom, has decided to extend the exemption for CB radios under the general ban on the use of hand-held communications devices that came into effect on October 26, 2009.

As part of the Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act, a Minister's Regulation was made under the Highway Traffic Act creating a three-year exemption for the hand-held use of two-way radios -- CB radios among them. This three-year exemption is set to expire on January 1, 2013.

Should the exemption expire as scheduled, the use of CB radios would be prohibited as of the first of the year. Recognizing the need to balance road safety while minimizing regulatory impacts on business and people, the ministry proposes to extend the exemption for an additional five years while the market for hands-free two-way radios develops.

The ministry is now seeking comment on the following proposed changes to Ont. Reg 366/09 (Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices):

1) Extend the current two-way radio exemption for an additional five years for the same specified commercial, public transit, and public function drivers; and

2) Extend the current exemption for licenced amateur radio operators for an additional five years.

Comments are due by May 30, 2012, and may be submitted in writing to:

Road Safety Policy Office - Road users
Room 212, Building 'A'
1201 Wilson Avenue, Downsview, ON M3M 1J8
Proposal Number:     12-MTO016

or via email through the link at the bottom of this web page.