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Alberta's distracted driving law set for Sept. 1

Alberta's new distracted driving law will come into effect on Sept. 1.
A woman holds what appears to be a book while driving in Calgary on Wednesday morning. ((CBC))

Albertas new distracted driving law will come into effect on Sept. 1.

The new law bans the use of hand-held cellphonesfor talking or texting, watching DVDs, reading, writing andgrooming while driving.

Violaters face a $172 fine.

Drivers can still usehands-free or voice-activated cellphones, which many safety experts claim are equally distracting.

"I am confident this new law, which is practical and enforceable, will help to keep Albertans safer," said Minister of Transportation Luke Ouellette.

The province will run a publicawareness campaign through the summer with ads running in newspapers, radio and online.