HAM operators not distracted drivers

[DaveB]

Received via Rick M...

Details can be found on the link at the bottom of the page.

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We have been advised, informally, that Amateur Radio will be exempt from the Distracted Driver's Legislation. This is a huge win for Amateur Radio.

I would like to thank those of you that talked to your MLA's, your Served Agencies and other government organizations that Amateur Radio provides services and volunteers to. We have had significant support from Emergency Management BC, PEP, and many of the organizations that we all support. Your professionalism and dedication to our hobby, and what we can do to support emergency communications, has been recognized. I would like to thank you all for your efforts.

We will still need to wait for the official word, but this is outstanding news, and I am highly confident that this will become law. Thank you all - in particular those of you that took the time to write or call me, and threw your support behind Radio Amateurs of Canada and the approach that we were advocating.

Take care, and the very best of the season to you and yours.

Thank you and 73

Bill Gipps
Director, BC & YK, Radio Amateurs of Canada
VE7XS
604 328 0111 Mobile
http://www.ve7isv.com/cell.htm

[red90]

Does these mean that if I use a CB in BC without a HAM license while driving, I can get a ticket?

[Greg S]

After January first? Yes!
Now, the question is; If I have a HAM license and use a CB will I get a ticket?

If I'm using a HAM radio, acording to this letter, I won't.

[rayhyland]

Just get your pilot's license. Then you can operate pretty much any radio legally, and you have pretty good proof that you can operate a vehicle while doing it.

[Greg S]

Now that I've read some of the government information, I change my mind. Can I do that? I think CB's would be included in one of the descriptions of DEVICES ALLOWED to be used while driving.

Two way radios are ½ duplex communication devices used principally
for commercial purposes and by amateur radio operators licensed
through Industry Canada under the Radiocommunication Act (Canada).
The devices consist of a microphone and receiver unit connected by a
wire that:
• Is operated by a push and hold to talk function, and
• Allows for oral communication, but not for the transmission and
receipt of oral communication at the same time; and
• The transmission of sound is over a set radio frequency.

See more here:
http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/publicat ... g-info.pdf