Talking and texting on a cellphone while driving in Saskatchewan will become illegal on Jaunary 1st.

     The provincial government has passed the legislation that will see the use of hand-held cellphones for talking, texting, and surfing the web prohibited while driving.  Experienced drivers will be allowed to use hands-free devices, but new drivers on the Graduated Licensing Program will not.

     Those caught breaking the law will be fined $280, and will drop four points on SGI's Safe Driver Recognition program.

     The government also passed the legislation for a new, one-part, five-year driver's license and ID card.  Drivers will start getting them in 2011.