Discussions

MPI website: https://www.mpi.mb.ca/documents/Distracted-Driving.pdf  
 
Drivers convicted of violating this law receive a driver’s licence suspension, $672 fine and 5 demerits.  
 
Distractions can happen both inside and outside your vehicle. Some of the most common are:  
 
In your vehicle  
• smartphones or tablets  
• GPS navigation and other  
technology features  
• passengers — including pets  
• adjusting your audio systems, climate control or other devices  
• eating, drinking and smoking  
• personal grooming  
 
Outside your vehicle  
• nearby activities  
• commercial signs  
• domestic animals and wildlife  
• emergency situations, construction and accidents  
 
Do you know anyone who’s gotten a ticket for anything other than texting or using the phone while driving?

I expect that some of those distractions would be difficult to prove , texting and phone use can be checked more easily from records.

So I can't adjust my heat or defroster? Can't turn down radio. Can't smoke. I understand cell phones, doing makeup, having a dog on your lap, not using seat belt, but aren't they over reaching. I wonder what they would say if i didn't adjust my defroster when my windows fogged up and I caused an accident? Just following the law.

Also wishing litterbugs would get fined more often...  
RCMP Manitoba  
@rcmpmb  
Depositing or throwing litter from a vehicle is a $203.80 fine in Manitoba. $2543.65 if you’re in business vehicle! #rcmpmb #EarthDay

Is it legal to wear headphones while driving whether your in a vehicle or on a bicycle? I would say that this would be considered a distraction? However, some of the vehicles have these stellar sound systems cranked to 11(assuming that they only go to 10). You can hear the music a block away, especially if there's a large subwoofer pounding away. Louder isn't always better. Besides, how is one supposed to hear sirens and/or other vehicles honking if it's LOUD or your ears are covered?

The list of common distractions in the pamphlet is not a list of things that are illegal. The pamphlet talks about common distractions. Those are common distractions, but almost certainly won't result in any fine.  
 
What is illegal and will get you fined is clearly described in the pamphlet:  
 
In Manitoba it’s illegal to  
use, or even check, a hand-operated electronic device, such as  
a cellphone, smartphone or tablet, while driving – unless it is  
safely anchored in a hands-free mode.  
 
Edited by JosephC, 2021-10-18 22:12:55

Thanks for pointing that out.

The only thing I found about headphones is this from the highway traffic act in section 215  
 
Use of radio headphones prohibited  
215  
 
No driver of a motor vehicle or operator of a bicycle shall, while operating the motor vehicle or bicycle on a highway, wear, on both ears, headphones which are used for the purpose of listening to a radio or a recording.

The question has been answered, but I also wanted to point out that hearing isn't a prerequisite for driving. Lots of people who are deaf can drive, and people who are hard of hearing etc.  
 
I agree with all your points, and those of us with hearing do rely partially on it while driving (and moreso cycling!). But hearing isn't the issue - distraction is.

Is vape device would be considered use of electronic device ?  
 
Edited by nolivy, 2021-10-19 12:43:56