Ontario drivers will be banned from using hand-held devices while driving as of Oct. 26. Canadian Press)

Ontario drivers will be banned from using cellphones, BlackBerrys and other hand-held electronic devices starting Oct. 26.

Motorists can expect a three-month education period after the ban takes effect, which means police will show some leniency.

But police will begin issuing tickets next Feb. 1.

Drivers could be fined up to $500 if caught using their hand-held cellphones or BlackBerrys to talk, email or send text messages while behind the wheel.

"It is not safe to be texting, emailing or dialing a phone when you are driving a vehicle," Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley said in a news release announcing the date for the ban. "Now it is also illegal."

The government has said hands-free devices aren't covered by the legislation, but they are not recommended for use while driving.

Ontario is the fourth province to enact such a ban, following Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Manitoba has introduced similar legislation.

Drivers are also banned from using portable video games and DVD players but are allowed to use their cellphones for 911 calls.

Global-positioning systems are allowed, as long as they're properly secured to the dashboard.

No demerit points are attached to the Ontario law, unlike in other provinces.

However, Ontario motorists who defy the ban could also be charged under careless driving laws and face fines, six demerit points, a driver's licence suspension and even jail time.