Using a mobile phone while driving in Nova Scotia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Nova Scotia bans hand-held phone use while driving and texting on any communications device. The offence carries 4 points.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | From 19 October 2026 no person may drive a vehicle on a highway while using, holding or manipulating a hand-held communication device, a hand-held entertainment device or another prescribed electronic device; the same applies to a person driving a conveyance other than a vehicle. Exceptions: a device in hands-free mode without holding it, a call to emergency services about an immediate emergency, and emergency-vehicle drivers on duty. [2] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 4 points [3] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | 237.50 CAD per offence [4] |
Notes
- The release says hand-held device use is penalised and that cellphone use to report an emergency is exempt. The consolidated Motor Vehicles Act could not be reached from the server (the point table cites 100(d)1).
- From 19 October 2026 the Traffic Safety Act replaces the Motor Vehicle Act in Nova Scotia. This rule states the position under the new Act and is not in force before that date.
- Category C offence under the Traffic Safety Act (from 19 October 2026): out-of-court settlement CAD 237.50 for a first offence, CAD 352.50 for a second and CAD 582.50 for a third or later; the maximum fine on conviction is CAD 400.00, not counting the victim surcharge or costs. Also 4 demerit points.
Sources
- Government of Nova Scotia: Higher Distracted Driving Fines, New Demerit Points Coming Into Effect (news release, 20 January 2015) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Nova Scotia Legislature (Office of the Legislative Counsel): Bill 130, Traffic Safety Act, Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2025 (as passed; Internet Archive snapshot of 24 September 2026) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources
- Nova Scotia Office of the Registrar of Regulations: Order in Council 223/2026: Traffic Safety Act regulations on suspensions, offences, fines and demerit points, 6 October 2026 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
- Province of Nova Scotia: Summary Offence Tickets Regulations, N.S. Reg. 281/2011 (amended to N.S. Reg. 178/2026), section 6 (consulted 31 October 2026) · all sources
Nova Scotia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 237.50 first offence | 4 points |
| New Brunswick | Banned | Voice or one touch only | CAD 340.50 | 5 points |
More rules in Nova Scotia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h (no sign) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h (no sign)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a licensed supervisor
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules apply · Minimum age: 14 from 19 Oct 2026
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.00 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.