The warning period is over and fines have begun for distracted drivers in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.

Police began handing out fines starting Monday, Feb. 1, for those caught using hand-held communications devices while behind the wheel. Fines are $155 in Ontario and $167 in B.C. Those caught texting in B.C. while on graduated licensing could receive three penalty points.

“The distracted driving law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or e-mail using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices,” Ontario Ministry of Transportation officials stated. The ban also applies to laptop computers and DVD players.

Pressing one button to answer a call is permitted, while hands-free technology and the use of communications for emergency purposes are exempt.

According to Ontario’s posted regulations, some commercial applications are exempt from the law until Jan. 1, 2013. Commercial exemptions apply to drivers engaged in work duties using two-way radio communications in the following: courier delivery vehicles, tow trucks, roadside assistance, taxicabs, limousines, street cars and road-building machines.

The B.C. law allows the use of two-way radios for commercial purposes.