MONTREAL — Starting today, the provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia will begin handing out steep fines to drivers who are caught yakking without a hands-free device while operating a vehicle.

Following the lead of Newfoundland and Labrador, the provinces have banned hand-held cellphones behind the wheel.

In Quebec, where police say they will issue warnings for the first few months, the fine will be about $100. The charge in N.S. is harsher — $164.50 for a first offence, rising to as much as $337 for any subsequent offences.

In Newfoundland, the first province to enact a ban, fines can be as high as $400, plus demerit points.

While hands-free devices are allowed, some safety advocates insist the new law doesn’t go far enough. The Canada Safety Council told Canadian Press that overall distraction is the problem and “Hands-free is not distraction-free.”

In Quebec between 2000 and 2006, the coroner’s office reported at least 24 cellphone-related fatal crashes.

Other provinces have resisted similar laws. Ontario has preferred to crack down on distracted drivers under the current Highway Traffic Act.

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach told CP that he would consider it if there was proof the number of collisions was reduced.

— with files from CP