TORONTO -- Attention drivers: The call you are making has just been disconnected.

Legislation banning the use of handheld electronics while driving passed at Queen's Park yesterday and although it likely won't become law until the fall, Transportation Minister Jim Bradley hopes drivers will hang up early on their cellphone use.

"It would be really nice to see that even though the bill has not been proclaimed and in effect yet, that people are taking it as that is what the law is," Bradley said.

SPIRIT OF THE LAW

"I can't think of anybody ... that has not been in violation of the spirit of this for years and years gone by. We would certainly look for people to not be violating what will be the law."

The idea, once disparaged as unnecessary by Premier Dalton McGuinty and then adopted with great fervour, is to cut down on car crashes by restricting driver's distractions.

That means no talking on handheld phones or operating any kind of electronic device while cruising down the road.

WIRELESS HEADSETS

Wireless headsets and dash-mounted GPS or satellite radio units are acceptable. Emergency personnel on the job and drivers calling 911 will be exempt.

Violators could be charged with careless driving and face a maximum fine of $1,000 and six demerit points, possible licence suspension and jail time.

The law still needs royal assent and a raft of regulations completed before it's put to use, Bradley said.

There will be the chance for public input on those regulations and Bradley said he expects some businesses that rely heavily on communicating with a fleet of drivers, such as cab drivers or delivery services, may well seek exemptions.

"We heard people in committee and we're prepared to hear further from them," he said, noting members from all three parties in the legislature voted in favour of the new bill.

"(But) we would be extremely reluctant as a government to grant any exemptions unless a very compelling case could be made for that."

Progressive Conservative MPP Christine Elliott said anything that reduces car crashes is a good thing and she doesn't think the law should exclude commercial drivers.

"I know there are a lot of businesses that are concerned about that but hopefully they can make the necessary adaptations so that their business won't be adversely impacted by this," Elliott said.

JONATHAN.JENKINS@SUNMEDIA.CA