EDMONTON – Distracted drivers may soon face stiff penalties — and not just for talking on the phone.

Under Bill 16, introduced in the legislature Wednesday, drivers caught personal grooming, texting, reading or writing would face tickets.

“This legislation is a practical, effective and enforceable approach to the issue of distracted driving,” said Minister of Transportation Luke Ouellette. “We are sending a strong safety message to all Albertans: when you’re in your vehicle, your focus must be on driving.”

Fines would start at $172 with no demerit points.

Cops would have discretion to hand out heftier $402, six demerit point tickets under the current driving without due care and attention law.

That law is already on the books.

However, it’s been hard to use on distracted drivers, said Sgt. Tony Simioni, president of the Edmonton Police Association, because judges require a high burden of proof.

He lauded Bill 16 on condition it’s easier to enforce.

“It opens up some options to police to deter drivers from being distracted,” said Simioni. “(Its value) really depends on how the courts view it and how much proof is going to be required.”

Bill 16 would allow the use of hands-free phones, said the government. Also, radio communications such as CB radios would be allowed for commercial purposes and search and rescue services. Drivers could use hand-held devices to contact emergency services.

Emergency services workers would be exempt.

The Alberta Motor Association believes the legislation will find broad public support.

“That’s based on an increasing number of calls from people complaining, people frustrated by people they’re seeing doing distracting things behind the wheel,” said Don Szarko, advocacy director for the AMA.

“Nine out of ten AMA members support distracted driving legislation and support a broader definition of distracted driving.

Alberta is one of the last provinces to enact distracted driving legislation, but its law covers the most distractions.

British Columbia and Saskatchewan banned talking on hand-held phones starting Jan. 1. Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec have similar laws.

Strathcona County stepped ahead of the province by banning handheld cellphone calls on its roads Sept. 1.

Bill 16 would overtake that law if passed.

It’s not known when Bill 16 will be debated. The legislature is expected to break for summer within the next couple of weeks.

The provincial Liberal and NDP leaders said they support the bill.