Nova Scotia texting-while-driving penalties increasing

Nova Scotia will soon increase fines and penalties for textingwhile driving.

After Feb. 1, the new fines will be:

• $233.95 for a first offence (rising from$176.45)
• $578.95 for a third or subsequent offence (up from$348.95)
• Four demerit points added upon conviction

For people with learner's licences, four points would suspend their licence for six months. For an experienced driver with a clean record, 10 points brings a six-month suspension.

There are exemptions for using a cellphone to report an emergency.

"Put your phone away or turn it off before you start to drive," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal MinisterGeoffMacLellan. "There is no call or text worth losing a life. Don't take the chance. Pay attention to the road, not the phone."