Is it illegal in your province to program your GPS while driving?

On January 15, 2010 CBC-TV Marketplace reported on the new Canadian GPS regulation standards. They conducted a survey poll with some of the results listed below.

Interestingly, a very high percentage of people (92%) said they program their GPS in their car before setting out on a journey – which is the recommendation by experts -- yet almost half say they end up programming it while they drive. 6% said they always program while driving, and 41% said they "sometimes" program while they drive. “Programming while driving” was defined as finding points of interest (restaurants, gas stations), or changing destinations while driving (entering an address).

Six provinces have imposed bans on using hand-held devices, such as cell phones and other wireless devices, while driving. Here is the breakdown of what is included in their legislations:

BRITISH COLUMBIA
BC's new law banning use of cell phones while driving came into effect on January 1, 2010. GPS devices are included. You cannot program your GPS while driving either. The fine is $167.

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
A ban on use of hand-held cell phones while driving has been in effect since 2003. The ban does not include GPS, but programming GPS devices while driving does fall under another section of the Highway Traffic Act: "Distracted Driving" which includes distractions like eating, drinking, changing a music player, etc.

NOVA SCOTIA
A ban on use of hand-held cell phones while driving has been in effect since 2008. The programming of GPS devices while driving is not covered in the ban.

ONTARIO
Bill 118 came into effect in October 26, 2009, which bans the use of hand-held devices while driving, including GPS. GPS is allowed for "navigation purposes only". It is against the law to program GPS while driving in Ontario. The fine is up to $500.

QUEBEC
A ban on use of cell phones while driving came into effect in 2008. It is not illegal to program GPS devices while driving.

SASKATCHEWAN
A new law came into effect on January 1, 2010, banning the use of cell phones while driving. The ban does not include programming GPS devices while driving.