EDMONTON – As of yesterday, Sept. 1, 2011, Alberta police are on the lookout for drivers talking or texting with a hand-held communication device and any other driver distractions.

The rule is one of the toughest in Canada and even restricts personal grooming. The fine for violating the law is $172.

Specifically, the law bans using hand-held cell phones, texting or e-mailing; use of any electronic devices like laptops, video entertainment displays and portable audio players like MP3 players. (Though, fiddling with the knobs on your dashboard radio is fine, apparently).

Also out of bounds is entering information on GPS units, reading printed materials in the vehicle (even a map?); writing, printing or sketching, and personal grooming like eyebrow plucking and applying lipstick, although we're pretty sure our audience doesn't have to fret about such things.

Drivers may use hand-held devices to call 911 for emergency services.

There is supposedly an exemption for truckers using two-way radios, such as CBs.

But as Today's Trucking has detailed here and here, the law is anything but clear and, as far as we're concerned, still leaves much to interpretation.

Technically, hand-held CBs can be used for "commercial purposes," specifically to stay in touch with employers or for emergencies.

After some deliberation, the province eventually said drivers broadcasting warnings about road conditions or vehicle incidents to other truckers "could" fall under the emergency scenario category.

As always, though, a roadside officer will make the call. And sometimes it won't go drivers' way.