News
The highway dialling code
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By Jonathan Duffy
BBC News Online Magazine Oct
2003
A new law has come into force banning drivers from using mobile phones while at the wheel.
Only it's not quite as straightforward as that...
Traffic police are going to have their work cut out from 1 December, as new laws come into effect clamping down on drivers using mobile phones.
A quarter of drivers who know about the law will ignore it, according to research by a mobile manufacturer. The same survey found 40% of motorists were unaware of the new legislation, which is designed to promote safety on the road.
On top of that, among those that are aware, there is widespread confusion about what exactly is outlawed.
Initially, the government had sought a blanket ban on all drivers using mobiles. Then it seemed to opt for an exception that would allow factory-fitted hands-free sets.
The final legislation is more relaxed, but that has led to claims it is too confusing. So here, we answer 10 questions about what you will and will not be allowed to do while driving.
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Motorists must already drive with due care and attention New law will allow police to stop driver using a mobile, no matter how careful they are Breaking the rules means a £30 on-the-spot fine or up to £1,000 in court |
| Drivers 'to break mobile ban' |
Can I use my ordinary
mobile handset?
"Hand-held" is the watchword in the new regulations. If you need to hold
your mobile handset then you will be in breach of the new law and liable
for a £30 on the spot fine.
What about hands-free
kit?
Using hands-free equipment will not be an exception, if you still have to
hold the mobile handset to dial a number or even just to press the
"receive call" button when someone is ringing you.
So I have to get a factory
fitted mobile?
No, a cradle that holds your mobile and is fixed to the dashboard will do
the job. You will need a hands-free kit to continue the conversation,
such as an earpiece and microphone or a Bluetooth headset. Interactive
PDAs and navigation aids will also need cradles. Using a hands-free
device with voice dialling and auto-answering would also be
appropriate.
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HOW TO MAKE SAFER CALLS Keep calls In short - do not argue or enter intense neinto negotiations Tell callers you are driving and may need to break off your conversation suddenly Save any numbers you may need to a shortcut dial before starting your journey Source: RAC |
What if I cradle the phone
on my shoulder?
Propping a mobile between your shoulder and chin will not be tolerated
since you will still be seen as holding the phone, albeit not with your
hands.
What about
texting?
Texting is also out, although it seems tapping out a text would be
allowed if the phone remained fixed in a cradle. But this is likely to
fall foul of the existing rules that you must drive with due care and
attention.
So do I have to switch my
phone off?
No. Phones can be left on in a car, but, unless you have hands-free kit,
if you are driving when it rings you must ignore it or pull in and park
safely before answering it.
What if I'm waiting at
traffic lights?
You are still considered to be driving. The same goes for if you are
stuck in a traffic jam. In really bad snarl ups, however, you would
clearly not thought to be driving if your engine was turned off.
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Bluetooth headsets do away with distracting wires |
What about an emergency
call?
There is an exemption for 999/112 calls to the emergency services where
it is unsafe or impractical to stop.
I've got to use a phone for
my job
Not good enough. You will still be liable for a penalty. If your boss has
insisted you take calls while driving he or she could also be breaking
the law.
Breaker, breaker... what
about CB radio?
Curiously perhaps, two-way radio is not covered by the law, so it's not
an offence to have a conversation while driving, using a hand-held CB
radio microphone. Two-way radios that double up as mobiles will not be
allowed, though.
Bosses to face fines for staff caught chatting on phone in car