Truckers in the province of Alberta are breathing a sigh of relief. It turns out the government is not planning to take away their CB radios after all.

The Alberta government passed the most comprehensive distracted driving legislation in Canada last week. Bill 16, the Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving) Amendment Act, 2010, restricts the use of hand-held cell phones and activities like texting, reading, writing, and personal grooming. It also put restrictions on using other electronic devices while driving -- such as CB radios.

Reports began circulating almost immediately about the CB ban. The popular two-way radios were mentioned in the text of the bill, but a spokesperson for the Alberta Ministry of Transportation told Truckinginfo.com that the ban was intended for recreational users of the two-way radios -- not professional drivers.

"There's no evidence that CB use has caused any problems in the past," said ministry spokesman Paul Os. "If using a CB is part of a normal occupational procedure in trucking, then Bill 16 will not change anything."

The distracted driving law could be in effect by the middle of 2011, and the proposed fine for this new offense is $172.

More info: www.transportation.alberta.ca/distracteddriving.htm