As of January 1, it’s now illegal to talk or text while driving in both of these provinces.

Under the new legislations, experienced drivers in both provinces will be allowed to use hands-free devices while driving.

New drivers, meaning drivers in Saskatchewan's and BC’s Graduated Driver's Licensing program, cannot use cellphones of any type, including hands-free, while driving a motor vehicle.

Saskatchewan drivers who are charged under the new law will face a penalty of $280 and four demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition and Driver Improvement programs.

In Saskatchewan, driver distraction is the most cited contributory factor in all collisions, accounting for nearly 25 per cent of all factors reported.

BC said it will be issuing tickets as of February 1. At that time, a driver talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device will be subject to a fine of $167. In addition, drivers caught texting or emailing will be subject to three penalty points.

The new rules bring the two provinces in line with most of Canada. Alberta and New Brunswick are the only jurisdictions lacking any formal laws and Manitoba said it is planning to pass a similar law later this year.