Rules spelt out on cell phone use behind wheel

| 14/02/2013

dangers-of-cell-phone-use-while-driving.jpg(CNS): Following changes to the traffic law banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel, officials clarified what drivers can and cannot do with their phones as part of a safety awareness campaign. Focusing on the distractions that cause accidents, the campaign will target mostly cell phone use and drunk driving. “Drivers may only use a mobile phone when their vehicles are moving, or stationary but not parked if the mobile phone is secured in a fixed mounting or the phone does not require touch or manipulation by the driver in any way,” the Streetskill team stated. 

Texting, video messaging, online chatting, reading preview messages and emailing are also prohibited. Drivers may only hold their phone to pass it to a passenger. When using the phone to call for help, drivers should first park safely. The law allows drivers to call 911 if it is unsafe or impractical to stop and park.

"Following these simple rules saves lives and keeps drivers on the right side of the Traffic Law. It will also save them a $150 ticket," officials added.

For more details see fact sheet below.

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Category: Crime

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  1. Anonymous says:

    I wish they would stop spending so much time making these changes to the law and actually focus on ENFORCING the law. Sorry Officers, the law includes you all as well. SMH

  2. Anonymous says:

    Make sure you targets those walking our streets, whilst on the phone. Those riding bycicles too.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Now to ban smoking and driving. Just as bad as texting and driving, plus im sick of people flicking their cigarettes out on my windscreen.

    • Anonymous says:

      So many laws passed by non enforced example, dark tint that you can't see in, headlights that look like LED lights..not yellow but bluish in colour…I don't think that is legal, but I could be wrong

  4. Anonymous says:

    A friend of mine recently recieved a ticket for not wearing a seat belt while driving inside his car.

     

    Meanwhile, lots of people ride in the back of pick up trucks without worry.

     

    Hello?????

  5. Anonymous says:

    Hi online community.

    Am I missing something here in this article?

    "Drivers may only use a mobile phone when their vehicles are moving, or stationary but not parked if the mobile phone is secured in a fixed mounting or the phone doesnot require touch or manipulation by the driver in any way,”

    Driver MAY ONLY USE…etc..when their vehicles are moving…but not parked…etc

    I'm not following this article/statement at all even though I asked CNS. No response from them.

    CNS: Try this: While you are driving you can only use a mobile phone if that phone is secured in a fixed mounting and you don't have to touch it for any reason, i.e. you cannot hold the phone to your ear or have it on speaker while it's on your lap or on the seat next to you, and you cannot text, BBM, etc. If your car is properly parked (not just stopped in traffic or sitting idle) you can do those things.

     

     

    • Anoying mouse1 says:

      Thanks CNS. I too was wondering if this was a new twist to a simple Law concerning the use of cell phone while in the control of a motor vehicle. Does the police understand it the same as you or I think that the Law was meant to be?

  6. Anonymous says:

    This law doesn't seem to be doing anything, and won't unless it is really enforced.  Yesterday at around 5pm I counted 11 people talking on their phones that passed me from Kirks Supermarket to Georgetown. 

  7. Anonymous says:

    What a waste of time for someone to "research all this meaningless data" and write this document. What they simply need to do is put in words of one syllable what people can and cannot do, and apply the law!!!!!

  8. Anonymous says:

    This is a waste of time seeing as loads of folk are driving around in tinted windows. The same police that want to prosecute you for using your cell phone let their buddies pass inspection with illegal modifications.

    This is just another indictment of our misery under the fist of David Baines. I am very close to penning a formal complaint to the FCO about the recent deterioration of the police service.

    • Anonymous says:

      well, he deserves to loose his job because he can never respond to a legitamate complaint. He does not belong here.

    • Anonymous says:

      For your information, the Police do not inspect and pass cars at all, that is the job of the Vehicle Licencing Department.  OK?

      • Anonymous says:

        Then the POLICE need to ask their fellow civil servants why the heck are they allowing non-compliant vehicles to pass. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT? 

  9. NeoSurvivor says:

    Seems pretty clear to me.    If I get a call, pull over, park and then call the person back.  If you are parked, you can do whatever you want.     

     

    If I'm being pursued by a road-rage person, or see a crime in progress, then all bets are off, and I'll risk the $150.   Either way, I have to be responsible for my actions.  

  10. Anonymous says:

    Oh yipee!…another campaign…and a threat of $150 fine…that should solve it…not!

    Police need to actually get out there REGULARLY and PROSECUTE!

    And LEAD BY EXAMPLE!

     

    • Anonymous says:

      What is the Law on tour drivers and Taxi drivers using walkie talkies. Is this not a distraction also?