By permitting the use of hands-free devices, the territory's proposed distracted driving legislation will be in line with other regions in the country.

Consequently, it won't confuse drivers coming in to the Yukon from Outside, say government officials.

The legislation, tabled last month, would ban a person's use of cell phones and other such electronic devices while driving (they could be used if the vehicle is parked), unless they are being used through a hands-free device such as Bluetooth technology.

"We're just coming along with the rest of the country,” Vern Janz, director of transport services for the Department of Highways and Public Works, said at a media briefing held at noon Monday.

The legislation, if passed, would take effect next April 1.

Janz acknowledged there may be evidence showing the use of hand-free devices can be just as distracting as a traditional cell phone.

However, he also said the legislation was drafted to be in line with that of other jurisdictions to prevent tourists and others travelling into the territory from being confused about the rules.

The hands-free devices will not be allowed though for those still under the graduated licensing rules.

"It was a logical step,” Janz said, noting that those under the graduated licensing program are still learning how to drive and need to focus fully on the task at hand.

The move is consistent with the zero tolerance for alcohol that's in place for those under graduated licensing.

The legislation also doesn't take into account other activities that can distract drivers ­– applying make-up, eating or others while driving.

It's a move Alberta was considering.

As Janz explained though, that wouldn't have been consistent with the motion out of the legislative assembly that called for the legislation.

"I think it does address a spectrum of distracted driving,” Janz said.

He defended the proposed Yukon legislation before he pointed out that the proposed Alberta legislation has been delayed for now.

As he also pointed out, the proposed legislation, through amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, has been written in a way in which the regulations can be changed to include other distractions if need be.

"We can keep looking,” he said.

While the legislation has been drafted, the regulations around fines, demerit points and other details have yet to be finalized.

An education campaign will also be rolled out through the winter and into next spring to prepare the public for the potential change,

though officials are still working on how they will do that.

The pending law follows a summer consultation campaign. An overwhelming number of survey respondents indicated they favour the ban, Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang told the legislature last week.

Only two Canadian provinces do not have distracted driver legislation.

Alberta has introduced its now-delayed law to ban hand-held devices, while New Brunswick is mulling the idea but put off any changes until after its recent provincial election, which saw the Liberal government defeated.