British Columbia's Solicitor General Kash Heed has announced plans to impose a three-part ban on cell phone use for drivers.
Heed spoke to reporters Tuesday after Gordon Campbell's throne speech, which marked the opening of the 39th session of parliament.
"There are lots of distractions when you're driving, and we need to limit those distractions," he said. "We have to ensure we have proper policies in place."
The proposed legislation will recommend a complete ban on cell phone use while driving, Heed said, with an exception for experienced drivers using hands-free devices.
A complete ban on text messaging will also be imposed.
New drivers in the graduated licensing program will be barred from using all use, including handheld devices, hands-free devices and any form of text messaging.
Former B.C. Medical Association president Dr. John Turner says the ban is long overdue.
"There is plenty of medical evidence and there are many jurisdictions now where they have banned cell phones," Turner said.
Six other provinces already have legislation restricting cell phone use in place.
On August 12, Alberta announced it was developing legislation that was not limited to phone use, focusing instead on any distracting electronic device used in cars.
