Using a mobile phone while driving in Manitoba (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Manitoba bans using hand-operated phones and texting devices while driving; telephone use in a hands-free manner is allowed. The fine is CAD 672, and police suspend the licence on the spot for 3 days (7 days for a repeat within 10 years).
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | 672.00 CAD per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Using a hand-operated device that can send or receive email or other text-based messages is banned while driving on a highway; use includes holding it, operating any function and looking at the display. Only telephone use in a hands-free manner is allowed, and a message to police, fire or ambulance about an emergency. [1] |
Notes
- The device must be a telephone configured and equipped for hands-free use and be used in a hands-free manner. Using it by hand is allowed only after driving off the roadway and stopping, or to call emergency services.
- The government page states that a driver drops five levels on the Driver Safety Rating scale for each offence. It does not state a number of demerit points, so none is given.
Sources
- Government of Manitoba: The Highway Traffic Act, CCSM c H60 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Manitoba: Distracted Driving - Manitoba Residents' Portal (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Manitoba and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 672 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Saskatchewan | Banned | Voice or one touch; not for GDL | CAD 580 | 4 points |
| Ontario | Banned | Hands-free, touch limited | CAD 615 | 3 points |
| Nunavut | Banned (holding or using) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Manitoba
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants (since 1 May 2025)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 90 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with an experienced supervisor
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power-assisted bicycle · Minimum age: 14 years
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.40 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.