Using a mobile phone while driving in Newfoundland and Labrador (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Newfoundland and Labrador bans holding or using a hand-held device for calls, data, email or texts while driving; hands-free mode is allowed. The fine is CAD 300 and the offence carries 4 demerit 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 [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | 300.00 CAD per offence [1] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers on a highway may not hold or use a hand-held device that can send or receive calls, data, email or text messages. Hands-free mode is allowed, as is contacting emergency services or using the device when off the roadway and not moving, or lawfully parked. [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 4 points [2] |
Notes
- The Schedule of penalties lists a minimum of CAD 300 and a maximum of CAD 500 for a first offence, CAD 500 to CAD 750 for a second and CAD 750 to CAD 1,000 for a subsequent offence. The figure given is the minimum for a first offence.
Sources
- House of Assembly, Newfoundland and Labrador: Highway Traffic Act, RSNL 1990, c H-3 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador: Highway Traffic Demerit Point System Regulations (consolidated) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Newfoundland and Labrador 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Banned | Hands-free allowed | From CAD 300 | 4 |
| Quebec | Banned | Hands-free allowed | From CAD 300 | 5 points |
More rules in Newfoundland and Labrador
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants, in the dwelling
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with an experienced supervisor
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes; retailers need a permit
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.35 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.