Using a mobile phone while driving in New Brunswick (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New Brunswick bans hand-held phone use while driving and does not allow texting at any time; calls are only allowed hands-free or single-touch. The fine is CAD 340.50 and 5 points.
| 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 with limits [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | 340.50 CAD per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 5 points [2] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Texting while driving is not allowed at any time. Calls are only allowed with a hands-free or single-touch phone, and 911 may be called in an emergency. [2] |
Notes
- The device must be configured as a hands-free telephone, used in a hands-free manner and operated exclusively by voice commands or by touching it once to start or accept a call and once to end it.
- Stated on the Government of New Brunswick page for drivers who violate the legislation. The consolidated Act text read does not itself state the amount.
Sources
- Government of New Brunswick: Motor Vehicle Act, RSNB 1973, c M-17 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of New Brunswick: Driver distraction (Internet Archive snapshot of 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New Brunswick 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | Banned | Voice or one touch only | CAD 340.50 | 5 points |
| Quebec | Banned | Hands-free allowed | From CAD 300 | 5 points |
| Nova Scotia | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 237.50 first offence | 4 points |
More rules in New Brunswick
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants, locked
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (stage one learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.90 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: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.