TORONTO — CB radios, as long as they’re hard wired, will not be banned under Ontario’s proposed cell phone laws.

Not only that, but the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) wants to hear from any “stakeholders” whose occupation might give them special dispensation from the law.

So that includes truckers.

That’s the word from the MTO, which has not finalized the wording of the new cell phone regulations and is working with groups like the Ontario Trucking Association to identify possible exceptions for truck drivers.

"The proposed legislation bans hand-held wireless devices. CB radios are not wireless — they are hard-wired into the vehicle and, therefore, they do not fall within the intended scope of the proposed legislation," MTO Spokeswoman Emna Dhahak confirmed to todaystrucking.com.

She added that, "We recognize that, in certain jobs, people need to use hand-held communication devices. That’s why we are committed to working cooperatively with stakeholders on suggestions for possible specific exemptions for such devices in supporting regulations that would be developed, if this legislation is passed."

It will also be okay to use you handheld if you’re dialing 911. And of course cops, EMS and fire fighters are above the law, all well.

However, she said no matter how this legislation unfolds, drivers can still be charged with careless driving if they are not paying attention at possibly putting other road users at risk. In that case, it doesn’t matter whether they’re working a CB mic, a hands-free phone, or even a Timmies double-double.