Manitoba drivers gear up for new cellphone rules

Manitoba is just days away from new rules covering cellphone use by drivers.

While it's still not clear exactly what the new rules will say — the NDP government has been fine-tuning the legislation for months — a couple of things are certain: Drivers will be barred from text messaging entirely, and hands-free technology such as Bluetooth will be required for drivers who want to drive and talk on the phone at the same time.

Transportation Minister Steve Ashton said he expects drivers will quickly accept the new rules, as they did with legislation mandating seatbelt use.

"I fully expect that the vast majority of Manitobans are going to comply with the law," he said.

" Who wants to get a ticket for upwards of $191 when for half the price you can get a hands-free set-up or even pull over."

Manitoba is one of the last provinces to introduce such cellphone legislation.