Using a mobile phone while driving in Nunavut (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Nunavut's Traffic Safety Act bars driving while holding or using a hand-held electronic device, but allows use in hands-free mode and calls to emergency services. The Act sets no specific fine for this offence, only a general maximum of CAD 5,000 or six months. Licence points are not confirmed.
| 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 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Section 239.1(1): no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway while holding or using a hand-held electronic device. Exceptions: drivers of emergency vehicles, use to contact emergency services, and a vehicle off the roadway or lawfully parked, not in motion and not impeding traffic. The text read is the consolidation current to 6 December 2019; the amending acts listed on the current consolidation page (S.Nu. 2020 c.15, 2021 c.10, 2021 c.20 and 2025 c.15) were read and none changes this section.
- Section 239.1(2): despite subsection (1), a person may drive while using, but not holding, such a device in hands-free mode.
- The Act sets no fine for this offence. Section 338 gives a general maximum for any offence under the Act or its regulations of CAD 5,000, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. A set fine schedule was not found.
- The Traffic Safety Act text read contains no demerit-point provision, and no points for this offence were found, so none is confirmed.
Sources
- Government of Nunavut, Department of Justice (Legislation Division): Consolidation of Traffic Safety Act, R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c.M-16, current to December 6, 2019 (Internet Archive snapshot of 20 December 2021) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Nunavut 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nunavut | Banned (holding or using) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Northwest Territories | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 322 (CAD 644 school/work zones) | 3 points |
| Manitoba | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 672 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Nunavut
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 90 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (Class 7 learner's licence)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No, unless the Fire Marshal authorises
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes
- 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
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.