What is the penalty for using a handheld device while driving?

Answer: B — fine and demerit points

Using a handheld device while driving in Nova Scotia poses a significant distraction, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, the law implements strict penalties to discourage this behavior. The correct penalty involves a fine and demerit points. This approach serves both as a financial deterrent and a way to track how many infractions a driver has committed. Accumulating demerit points can impact a driver’s insurance rates and may lead to further consequences if a certain threshold is reached, such as a license suspension. This system emphasizes the importance of focusing on driving without distractions, thus enhancing road safety for all users. The other options, such as a verbal warning, imprisonment, or community service, are not aligned with the typical legal framework for this specific offense. A verbal warning might not have the intended impact on behavior, while imprisonment and community service are more severe penalties reserved for particularly egregious violations or repeated offenses.