ONTARIO - The grace period for talking on a cellphone while driver is over.

Police across Ontario began issuing $155 tickets Feb. 1, for the offence known as distracted driving.

Ontario banned the use of handheld devices while driving Oct. 26, but offered a three-month grace period, so drivers could change their ways and buy Bluetooth devices to make their phones hands-free.

During the phase-in period, the government focused on educating drivers about the risks of distracted driving. The OPP has issued more than 3,300 warnings to drivers.

Studies show a driver using a hand-held device is four times more likely to be involved in a crash than a driver focused on the road. Dialling and texting carry the highest degrees of risk.

“This law is about keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. We need to prevent needless crashes caused by driver distraction and I believe this law will do just that,” said Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne.

Certain public service and commercial workers can continue to use their hand-held devices while performing their duties.