What are the penalties for using a handheld device while driving?

Using a handheld device while driving is considered a serious offense in Nova Scotia due to the significant distraction it poses on the driver. The correct answer highlights that there are financial penalties and the addition of demerit points to a driver's record, which serve as a deterrent against repeat offending. The increasing severity of penalties for multiple offenses reinforces the importance of adhering to this law, as it addresses the escalating risk that distracted driving poses to road safety.

In contrast, a warning for the first offense would not be sufficient to discourage the behavior, and ignoring the risks associated with inputting a handheld device in any capacity doesn’t reflect the legal framework put in place to combat distracted driving. Similarly, the idea that using a hands-free setup incurs no penalties does not consider that even hands-free operation can still distract a driver. Lastly, the concept of a jail sentence for repeated offenses is not the typical consequence for this type of violation, which is more effectively managed through fines and points, making the emphasis on education and compliance over incarceration.