Use of Mobile Phones whilst driving...

[Josh_PoloGTi]

As many of you will know, as of the 1st December 2003 in the UK it will become illegal to use a mobile phone in your car with the engine running (even if you've pulled over).

Now there seems to be some confusion as to what you can and can't do.

Apparently the only way you will be able to make or receive a call in a car is to have a full hands free kit. Ie. a Nokia Cark91 kit.

You can't use any type of headset (wired or wireless) and you can only touch the phone once to accept or dial a number (or something stupid like that).

So, I'm knackered. I ripped my Nokia Car Kit out beacuse I've changed my phone. This phone comes with a wired headset, but you can't get a full car kit for it.

Arse.

I'm going to just have to get all my mates interested in Amateur Radio as Licenced Radio Amateurs can use their radios in a moving vehicle! (I'm one!)

What a nightmare.

I'm all for the law, as I think that when you are holding a phone to your head you are not in full control of your vehicle, but to be honest I think if you're talking on your phone you're not concentrating fully on the road.

Stupid bloody laws.

[dub envy]

what's a mobile phone?

[ciden]

Jeez...you guys are pretty much screwed! (Pardon me French). In S.A. we're not allowed to drive whilst holding and talking on a mobile. We may however, pull over (with engine running) and talk...but this to me is more of a hazard, ppl park just about anywhere.

Handsfree units...be it wired or wireless are permitted, but the best way is to go for a handsfree kit. Fines are pretty steep aswell....running anything from ZAR500 - ZAR1000 (roughly £50 - £100 if you get caught).

You said you're not allowed to have a wired/wireless solution (headsets, etc.) - what about Bluetooth installed in BMW's? What would the British law make of that?

[KarlM]

there are soooooo many grey areas in this new law its ridiculous.

technically Bluetooth kits are legal, cause you can make, recieve calls with out touching the phone. as you can with BT headsets.



i will try and find a copy of the law and have a good look through it.

[Ian]

I was checking on the governments website with regard to the new law for using phones whilst driving...here is the link: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/d ... 25216.hcsp

Please check Q5:

Q5. Why are you not banning the use of hands-free mobile phones while driving?
Using any type of phone while driving is distracting.

Drivers should remember that the police can still use existing legislation (for failure to have proper control) if a driver is distracted by a call on a hands-free phone. If there is an incident and the driver is using any phone (hand-held or hands-free) or similar device, then there is a risk of prosecution for careless or dangerous driving.


To my mind, there is a big risk, personally I would steer away from using phone at any time whilst driving if there is a risk that prosecution may arise even with hands free kit ! Insurance companies would argue blue in the face over this

Ian

[toXXin]

The FAQ contradicts itself.

It says its ok to drive with a handsfree kit, but then says at the bottom that if it rings you can't answer it!!!

[Scorpio1]

It'll be illegal to talk to your passengers soon!

[G40_EM]

we had something through at work which says you nly have to have a cradle for the phone to sit in...........
also said u can get fined from £30 upto £1000 and that the government want to put 3 points on ur licence too.

You can get as distracted from eating or drinking whilst your driving!!! what will they do next, fine you for that!!!!!!

[Josh_PoloGTi]

More info on this subject:

http://www.jobserve.com/news/NewsStory. ... =3DSID2302

[Scorpio1]

Need to get a cradle for the ipaq

What's the difference?!

[des_pd_ tdi]

Bluetooth headsets are legal as long as you enable auto answering.

Des

[G40_EM]

anyone want to buy a nokia car kit?!!!!!!!