Q&A - Police Using Cell Phones When Driving

I was wondering if you could cover a subject that is a pet peeve of mine. I have observed some police officers using a cell phone while driving their patrol car. Are they exempt from this law? I thought distracted driving was distracted driving. I see this happen at least once a week.

Police Setting a Bad Example

I agree with you, it certainly seems to be a bad example for the rest of us. However, drivers of emergency vehicles in general are exempt from the prohibition on cell phone or computer use:

Exceptions to Prohibition

214.3  Section 214.2 does not apply to the following persons who use an electronic device while carrying out their powers, duties or functions:

(a) a peace officer;

(b) a person driving or operating an ambulance as defined in the Emergency Health Services Act;

(c) fire services personnel as defined in the Fire Services Act.

Restricted by Policy

I am no longer privy to policy, but I suspect that police forces do have internal rules about when and how to use cellular phones and mobile data terminals while driving.

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