Northwest Territories politicians have narrowly voted down a motion calling for a ban on using cellphones while driving.

The motion was introduced Wednesday by Yellowknife MLA Wendy Bisaro, who cited concerns about the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

Bisaro told the legislature that five other jurisdictions have already enacted bans on using handheld devices while driving.

But a vote on the motion resulted in a 5-5 tie, with all cabinet members abstaining. Speaker Paul Delorey declared the motion defeated as a result.

Transportation Minister Michael McLeod said a cellphone ban is not necessary, because only seven of the N.W.T.'s 33 communities have cellular service.

The N.W.T. government will review its Motor Vehicle Act, McLeod said.

The issue of phoning or texting behind the wheel is also up for debate in neighbouring Yukon, where two MLAs recently presented their own bills calling for a ban.