However, on October 26 rules for cellular phone use while driving got a lot stricter in Ontario when changes to the Highway Traffic Act took effect.

Ontario becomes just the latest province to institute a law banning use of handheld cellular phones. Currently, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island (for graduated drivers), Manitoba (currently in education period) and British Columbia (to take effect in 2010) all have varying bans in place.

Now, whether or not cellular phone use regulation exists where you work, it makes sense to go hands-free for the safety of yourself and others. To help you make the switch, we researched low cost options for going hands-free in the car.

Overview of Ontario's new rules

Under Ontario's new distracted driving law, handheld: cellular phones, GPS systems, and MP3 players will not be allowed.

If you are going on a business trip and need to use your GPS system? Make sure it is of the mounted on the dashboard variety, and you input all destination information before departing.

MP3 players and iPods are the latest rage for listening to music in the car. If you want to use them while driving, you must have the player connected to the vehicle's sound system, otherwise it is illegal. Options here may include FM modulators, iPod connectors or a specifically equipped vehicle.

The main point of the new law is the use of a cellular phone, and namely how you cannot use it while driving. The avid text messenger, who communicates over their phone back and forth, cannot do so anymore. The executive, who checks their e-mail while on the road, will now have to find another way to do so. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, among others, can only be used hands-free.

Cellphones: what is (and is not) allowed under Ontario's new law

Where the law in Ontario gets a little tricky is with talking on a cellular phone. Allowed hands free devices include items such as: Bluetooth kits, including: ear, visor and rearview mirror mounted applications. However, you need to use voice dialing; under the new law you are prohibited from touching the device to dial a number. For some, this may take some getting used to.

Keep in mind, breaking any of these rules can cost you up to $500. So all those commercials on the radio about ordering a $250 pizza, will come true, after February 1 that is. Ontario has an education period from October 26 to January 30, during which time officers will be giving warnings to drivers. On February 1, 2010 the police will start writing tickets.

Options to help you go hands-free

To comply with the new law, many options are available. Here is a look at some, with varying prices.

Ear-mounted Bluetooth sets are available at many electronics stores and cellular retailers, ranging from $30 to $200 in price depending on model.

Cheaper models provide basic operation but you may be sacrificing sound quality. This option does not have any wires but uses a battery, which will need to be charged periodically. Make sure to test out different sets in the store, to see which has best sound quality and features for the price and what you need.

Where should you shop? Future Shop, Best Buy, Wireless Wave are some well known sources. Brand to look for include Motorola, Jabra, LG, Nokia, and many others.

Review mirror kits - like TechUSA Electronics' BlueSky rearview mirror kit that mounts on top of an existing rearview mirror and uses you vehicle's stereo system - are another option to consider.

FM modulation is used and four stations are available. A Microphone and speaker is built-in. A name is display shows up in the middle of the mirror when a call is incoming.

As with an ear-mounted device, it needs charging periodically. This system can run around $200 and needs a Bluetooth enabled phone. Other options for rearview mirror mounted devices are also available.

What to do for texting, email and tweets?

For those needing an option for texting, Twittering, Facebooking and emailing, Markham-based Voice-on-the-Go may be the best choice. It works with any mobile phone and hands free device (Bluetooth, vehicle system or landline) on all Canadian networks, and no additional hardware is required and there is a simple online registration process.

Voice-on-the-Go's features include:

• Ability to listen to e-mail;
• Sending out text messages and e-mail through voice;
• Make phone calls thorough voice dialing;
• Update Facebook and Twitter; and
• Listen and add calendar appointments.

"Voice-on-the-Go users can listen to their email message before it is sent out. Users can optionally re-record their message (similar to voice mail)," said Ruby Osten, executive Chairman, Voice-on-the-Go. "We do not offer a visual review for the email or text/SMS before sending as this cannot be done while driving (i.e., keeping your eyes on the road). Accuracy rates for transcription of messages are very high."

The service is available monthly for $5.99/month or $49.99 for a full-year subscription. Those worried if the service is safe need not worry.

"The Ontario hands free legislation, Bill 118, has a provision to allow the use of hands free devices. This means that it is illegal (read: 'unsafe') to send a text message by typing it on the device, but it is legal ('safe') to send a text message if it is done hands free. Voice on the Go allows a driver to send an email or sms/text message hands free, so therefore it is 'safe' to use under the new law," said Osten.

But is it compatible?

Those worried about compatibility for iPhone, Blackberry, Motorola, and Nokia - all use Bluetooth and are compatible with any compliant device. It is always a good idea to ask the retailer if your phone is compatible.

Most modern cellular phones have voice-dialling built-in and many are Bluetooth enabled. Check your phone's owners manual if it offers these options before buying anything. Older phones may not provide all options and may require a wired hands free unit, which range from $10 to $25 at many electronics retailers.

The Jabra A210 is available for those who want to add Bluetooth to a phone that does not offer it. It costs $89 at www.headset.com.