Even though the provincial legislation banning the use hand-held cell phones while driving passed last June, it still hasn't been proclaimed into law.

Until that happens, the legislation won't be enforced.

Manitoba Transportation Minister Steve Ashton said he knows first-hand using cell phones while driving can be dangerous.

"I recently got rear ended by a driver who was texting. She told me she was breaking up with her boyfriend," Ashton said.

Ashton said the provincial government is finalizing plans to implement the legislation soon.

Liz Peters, a spokesperson for CAA Manitoba, said that can't happen soon enough.

"The sooner… police can start talking to people and enforcing this legislation the better," she said.

Once the law is being enforced, drivers who get caught breaking it can expect a fine of roughly $190, officials said.

- with a report from CTV's Jon Hendricks