A new survey regarding Ontario's impending ban on the use of hand-held cellphones while driving found that 92 per cent of respondents intend to obey the law.

Eight per cent indicated they intended to continue using hand-held devices while at the wheel. That figure rises to 14 per cent among people aged 18 to 34.

They risk fines ranging from $60 to $500 for ignoring the law, which is scheduled to take effect this fall. The provincial transportation minister has yet to announce an exact date.

Support for the ban was highest in Northern Ontario, where 98 per cent of respondents said they planned to comply. Eastern Ontario was the least keen, at 82 per cent.

The survey, conducted by Angus Reid Strategies for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, found that more than one in five respondents currently own at least one form of hands-free technology that will allow them to legally talk while driving, whether a wired or wireless headset or a speakerphone-enabled handset.

Twenty-nine per cent of respondents said they intend to buy at least one of the three devices in the next three months.

"Our experience shows that legislation of this sort creates a rush on hands-free mobile phone accessories as drivers try to find a solution that fits their needs," Michelle Digulla, general manager for Sony Ericsson Canada, said in a release. "We anticipate sales to increase dramatically."

The online survey was carried out in late August among 802 adults and is considered to have a margin of error of 3.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Ontario will join Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador in banning the use of hand-held cellphones while driving. Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and B.C. are considering similar legislation.