Cell phone driving fine $150
(CNS): From Friday 21 September it will be illegal in the Cayman Islands to use a mobile or cell phone while driving without a hands-free unit. Anyone caught doing so can expect to pay $150 fine. The long awaited traffic law regulations have been completed and government officials confirmed it would be effective in two weeks time. The ban, which has been introduced in many western countries, already appears in Clause 78 of the traffic law and makes it illegal to talk, text or bbm in a car that is driving on the road. Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing Director David Dixon said experts have likened cell phone usage while driving to that of careless driving, slowing reactions to traffic hazards by as much as four times.
“Too many people have become too accustomed to checking e-mail or sending a text while behind the wheel, even though it's as dangerous as drinking and driving,” the minister with responsibility for roads, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, said as the official announcement about the law was made some ten months after it was first passed.
“We have lost enough of our youth to speeding, and it our hope that this law will be a preventive measure and that over time it will change the attitudes of our citizens,” she added.
The law provides some exceptions to using a mobile phone while driving, including police officers on duty, a driver making a 911 call in an emergency when it is unsafe to stop, or when the phone is secured to a hands-free unit. Drivers can also pull over from the normal flow of traffic and park to use their phones.
Along with the ban on cell phones, the law puts an end to the unpopular parking control of clamping.
The new traffic law, which takes effect on 21 September, brings with it some 12 new regulations and a revised Road Code that provides a comprehensive guide to the conduct of all road users, including pedestrians, animal riders, motor cyclists and cyclists. O'Connor-Connolly urged everyone to get a copy of the new Road Code.
"The updated Traffic Law, regulation and new Road Code apply to everyone who uses the road – both drivers and pedestrians. Everyone should familiarise themselves with the new provisions and understand what their rights are," she said,
The law also finally allows electric cars on the roads as a result of a change to the definition of a “motor vehicle” to accommodate the green vehicles.
"This allows, for the first time in these islands, for electric vehicles to be registered, licensed and insured,” the minster added.
Another change in the law allows police officers to issue tickets to people who park in disabled parking spots without the required blue 'Disabled Person Badge'. Under Traffic Ticket Regulations, the traffic fines have also been revised.
“Using a vehicle without registration plates was $25; this is now increased to $100. Failing to obey traffic signal/signs was $25 and will be increased to $200. The new offence of using a mobile telephone while operating a vehicle has been added to the regulations and carries a fine of $150,” Dixon explained.
There is also a change in the regulations to ensure that driving instructors are properly licensed and regulated. But the law will grandfather in current driving instructors, who will be subjected to testing from to time to time to determine their suitability to instruct students, Dixon added.
Since the enactment of the 1973 Traffic Law, there have been 15 amendments. The Road Code has not been published since 1974 and was long overdue for an update to take into account existing traffic conditions and road use, especially roundabouts, officials said.
Category: Local News
CNS…what about a "Name and Shame" campaign?
Get readers to "legally" take photos (that means passengers only in motor vehicles, or people in legally parked and stopped cars, or pedestrians) of people driving whilst on the phone, parked in stupid places, not wearing seat belts, driving with children unbelted, doing other stupid/illegal stuff and CNS prints them, and at same time send them to the police to have them enforce penalties.
If we want to see improvements in driving standards, safety and fewer accidents then this is a whole community thing, not just an RCIP or Law things.
Special prizes should be awarded to those phtographing Policemen illegaly driving or Politicians/public servants.
CNS: I've put this comment in the CNS Forum to get reader feedback. Could anyone wanting to reply to this go to the forum topic to do so.
Well if I had of been able to snap a shot of todays prize idiot it would have been priceless….
AL Thompson roundabout, had a Bluetooth headset in their left ear……and a bloody phone clamped to their right ear !
You can't fix stupid…..
I wonder if this will apply to taxi drivers? I have never been in a taxi here without the driver making at least one phone call. The other day I had that made 4 calls between Waterways and GT and each time she said "I have to go, I have a passenger on board" then made another call! It meant I couldn't ask her why she was going down WB Road instead of the bypass since it was rush hour. Then she charged me about $20 and expected a tip.
Its a pathetic punishment that will make absolutely no difference to people's poor driving habits. Only when a penalty points system is introduced and losing your licence is a real possibility will we see compliance to the law and a reduction in the number of deaths on our roads. Why doesn't this government look at the UK example? Cayman really is an island in more than the literal sense of the word.
All that matters to our government is collecting $$$ to balance the budget; it's not about saving lives or the public obeying traffic laws. This is just another way to make more money so we have to pay for all the prior and current mismanagement of funds by the UDP and PPM. Those to parties are just pots cursing kettles. Taking ppl's license away will not give them that monetary satisfaction as the higher fines will. Hope this offers you some clarity.
In the UK there's a big fine AND an endorsement of the offender's license. See:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/EndorsementsAndDisqualifications/DG_4022550
The new laws in Cayman are half-hearted at best, and the CIG have missed a huge opportunity to make a real difference to road safety. . .but what's new? Pundits will claim "a step in the right direction", butCayman seems to only take little steps.
One other thing: This morning, I heard Mr. Harris on Rooster say that while he thought texting and driving was dangerous, holding a phone up to your ear isn't! What a misinformed and irresponsible comment. Mr. Harris, any qualified and responsible driving instructor will tell you that to be in full control of moving motor vehicle both hands should be on the steering wheel. Drinking, eating, and even smoking while driving are all examples of driving without due care and attention. Get with the program, brother.
You did not hear Mr. Harris say any such thing. He was responding to a caller who thought there should either be a complete ban on cell phone usage while driving or no ban at all by explaining the reason for the partial ban is that one hand would be off the steering wheel and therefore dangerous – more so than using a hands free device.
I hope the RCIP that causes accidents will also be charge!
BRACER
how is disabled parking going to be policed/ enforced now??
Well considering I saw a police car parked in a handicapped parking space while the entire parking lot was practically empty probably means you should not hold your breath there.
I agree with the poster above that a points system shoud be instituted. This fine business, while I suppose puts more $ into the government coffers (for use on extravagant travel or something equally necessary) is the preferred method, it isnt much of a deterrant.
It's kind fo hard to give credence to this when a police car almost rear ended me because he was texting and driving O_o
Great! Now we are going to have more idjits stopping in the middle of a busy road, at great peril to others. But instead of taking on a passenger as per the norm, they will be catching up with a bredrin on the phone instead.
This is crazy!
I am typing, drinking coffee, chanigng the radio station and driving all at the same time right now and I am fine. In this day and age where we live in a globalised community there are just not enough hours in a day not to multi task and besides, whoa look at this a$$hole., take me over will you why I outta!………….oh sh”””””””’t!……….
Does anyone have a number for a tow truck?
This is the breakthough Cayman been waiting on – a cash bonanza from taxing talking!
Cayman your financial future is assured. Tax dem mouts!
I'm not clear on this. Does it mean I can still use my phone if I drive hands free? I do this all the time right now. I Slow Down… while I steer with my knees so I can text.
Its not because the phones are held in ones hands that causes the accidents, but its the concentration of the conversation. Why cant the learned Politicians figure this out?Lets hope that it applies to the Police as well, or is it like cutting the cicil servants pay and not the Politicians nor Madam Speaker?
Instead of arresting the REAL criminals, we are going for the civilian, who is easy prey.
A simple check of phone records after an accident, would be sufficient to punish.
Everyday morning I run alongside the line of traffic outside St. Ignatious, heading into GT. It shakes me to the core to see how many drivers have one hand on the wheel while they text, call on their cell phones, eat, and drink. I saw one young woman eating breakfast from a plate on her lap, making a cell phone call at the same time, and steering with an elbow! Every morning, in one in four cars either the passenger or driver are not wearing their seat belts. What really gets me annoyed is when I see toddlers in the front seat, or in the back seat without a safety seat or a seat belt — outright child abuse in my opinion. Every day I see driver after driver in this line breaking the law. Makes me wonder about the overal IQ of the general population on this island. Everyone talks about the frailties of youth and speeding, but from I see with my own eyes every morning the parents are no better, and sometimes worsee because they should know better.
You started your comment with "Everyday morning…" and then question the "overal" IQ of the general population. No need to question your IQ…
A cheap pop that adds nothing to the debate.
truth is lots of locals and jamaicans dont know the roundabout law. right lane= turn right. GET IT? not straight over ok? LEFT LANE= TURN LEFT, GET IT? OR EVEN STRAIGHT OVER, BUT NOT RIGHT. GET IT? OBVIOUSLY NOT
One can go straight ahead and enter from the right lane.
Not normally you can't, only if it is two lanes in and two lanes out, or sign posted to say you can, normally it's left lane only, but I'm struggling to think of an example on this island that fits that bill.
What's the thumb's down for, that is the law.
And what about the Americans, Hondurans and Filipinos?
I guess only two types of people live here???? Locals & Jamaicans…,haha
Actually, you're wrong about that. Left lane = left turn or straight over (in the left lane); right lane = right turn or straight over, but in the right lane. And evryone to yield to the traffic approaching from the right, regadless of who got there first. This is a roundabout, not a 4-way stop. Learn the rules of the road.
And if you are not sure, slow down, it won't kill you if you do! …yes be courteous and give way, and please use your indicators at all round-abouts.
Now it gets interesting, how will most drivers cope, I always thought that the Cayman test should be with a hand strapped to your head cause thats the way you all drive. Actually from my experience, its the way most people worked in offices, constant phoning friends and a bit of work to interrupt the calls!
I see one police officer in particular all the time on the cell phone. By body language, you know it's personal. Not only that I saw the police officer parked in a no parking zone next to a super market. They should be enforcing the law not breaking it.
I think the police should have a hotline that we call on these officers breaking the law constantly. How can we tell our children to obey the laws that they see the ones who are suposed to uphold the law breaking? It is very disheartening. My son says, "Mummy, everybody is corrupt." How sad is that?
A full time job will be at the supermarkets and the handicap parking spots! Revenue galore! I am happy to see this! It should also include any vehicle not parked in a proper parking spot instead of blocking the supermarkets too! Lazy, lazy people!
However, the Police should not be exempt, they are human as well and can also be a danger while engaging on their cell phone and driving.
Especially the parking at Seven Mile Beach Post Office!
Lets see what happens when we call the police station to report an indiviudal parked in a handicap spot…these police don't even come quicky when there is a real problem, let alone someone parked in the handicap parking…..unfortunately another law passed but can't be enforced!!!
Great, perhaps then people will remember to use their indicators as well as they are usuallly to busy yapping on the phone or texting to turn it on. I also have a new rule: No indicator? No privilege! Considering the type of tank I'm driving, you better think twice before you cross my way without letting me know which way you intent to go.
The RCIPS internal directions are not to use cell phones, regardless of the exemptions, and to oull over and stop if they need to take or make an operational call
$150 – one hundred and fifty dollars ! For a lot of people who might believe that they REALLY NEED to use their cell phone to make, or receive, a business call, that is petty cash. The fine should start at $500 and escalate for subsequent offences. Do we we have a ” points ” system in Cayman for driving convictions, where varying numbers of points are charged to your Driving Licence depending on the severity of the offense and when you accumulate a specified number of points, your Driving Licence is automatically suspended for a minimum of three months – if not, we need to introduce that system to the Traffic Law.
“We have lost enough of our youth to speeding" – how exactly is not using a cell phone going to stop these morons from attempting suicide via speeding?
Darwin
I could understand this law if the police were able to keep up with the laws at present but as they are incapable of stopping people for not indicating a turn where are they going to find some time to police this?
"The law provides some exceptions"
So why are the police any better at driving than anyone else?
Will taxi drivers be exempted from the law ? Or will they be able to hold 2 phones, a bb and a radio in their hands while driving ?
Or parking in their personal taxi stand in front of the door to Fosters in the strand?
The opening paragraph relly concerns me, it says "Clause 78 of the traffic law and makes it illegal to talk, text or bbm in a car that is driving on the road" so we're ok to email and browse the internet which cranks omitted that from the law??
Does the law extend to motorcycles, cycles, trucks, lorries etc etc or just cars?
I like the idea of people getting fined for parking in disabled spots, the number of times I see lazy people parking in them when there's clearly nothing wrong with them is a joke. However, getting the RCIPS to monitor this will be practically impossible!
I think the etc.. takes care of the e-mailing, surfing the web etc….
That’s if the gedarmes can see through the black tint.
I would imagine the biggestrevenue from this source will be from the RCIPS driver's, can we also implement fines for people smoking behind the wheel and those with a general lack of common sense when it comes to roundabouts?
And Mr. Policeman that goes for you too! If I see you on your phone an gonna take a pic and show it to the Comish
LOL, but they might turn around and fine you because you used your phone ! haha
seat belts are law too but i dont see anyone bothered about that one either. also kids in seats climbing about ? law? more tint still? bald tyres while your at it? black smoke belching out of exhausts? i could go on and on .
one thing making a law its another think asking our so called law abiding cops to enforce them ALL
The police need to prioritize: by that I mean cherry-pick the offenders to maximize financial return. A good example would be the phone user, with tinted windows, blue headlights on full beam, expired licence and all the while entertaining the neighbourhood with their bass bazooka. They should find dozens of offenders, circling on the outside lanes of roundabouts without indicating or overtaking in the turn lane on the West Bay road. Toss in a DUI charge, and you could get $2,000 a pop. I'll look forward to the police being entirely self-funding from the 21st Sept.
Also to the driving instructors can u please teach learning drivers that the two small round abouts in industrial park and the one next to Royal bank and all roundabouts for that matter are give way juctions and not 4-way junctions, this means that as long as there is traffic approaching from your right you must stay there, this could mean 1 car or 10.
I’m personally tired of getting cursed at or being shown the finger because I know how to use a give way junction.
Totally agree. I too have been subject to abuse for not treating a roundabout as a 4 way stop. There are a disproportionate number of morons driving on these roads. Twice this past week I have nearly been sideswiped by a car on a roundabout drifting across two lanes as the driver was……you guessed it……texting/looking down at the phone. Unbelieveable!!
When the instructors on the island wrongly tell drivers to indicate right when going straight ahead what do you expect? That error is even in the guides they give tourists. It is directly contrary to the Highway Code, and as far as I am concerned there needs to be a good reason to depart from what works in the Highway Code.
It is NOT directly contrary to the HighwayCode at all. The HIghway Code, which incidentally does NOT apply in Cayman but only the UK, says you do not normaly need to indicate – doesnt stop you from doing so – as long as you indicate left at the texit befire the one you take. What would you rather see – a vehicle with no indication at all – which could be going left, right or straight on, or someone indicating right, so you know he is not going left at this exit at least and has some understanding that he knows he has to indicate! The guy indicating right is at least signalling that he knows he has to indicate.
Indicating right suggests that the most likely route for the driver entering the roundabout is a right turn. There is no need to indicate right when going straight ahead, and the fact that such indicating is encouraged here is most unhelpful. The Highway Code is the starting point for any analysis of proper driving procedure in Cayman, except when there is a directly contrary provision.
I repeat, roundabouts are an abomination!
They are in most cases the most effective means of ensuring traffic flow. It is just that in Cayman there is no effort to punish those that drive dangerously on them so stupidity like going round the outside lane to turn right and a couple absence of indicating is commonplace. Yes, some Americans don't like them but they don't seem to like adequate health care or basic human rights so I am not sure that is an argument.
Not at all. Roundabouts are roundabouts. The people who use them incorrectly make them terrible. Otherwise they are a perfectly fine idea for regulating traffic.
Good. Now let's see some enforcement. While we're at it, maybe some of us can think about balancing the door-bulging boom of our car stereos while we are parked, rather than futzing with it while driving.
Is this law for all or just civilians? Just asking because some laws seem to be for civilians only.
Yup, civilians only. Police and certain others are exempt (I forget the full details but they somewhere here on cns.
Personally, I think it should apply to all.
I agree. The police should be able to use hands free just like the rest of us.
I agree. Can't tell the amount of times I have seen police driving around with no sealt belt or talking of the phone.
This law actually excludes them, as it states that in the course of carrying out their duties they can be on the cell phone. Yeah, as if that will be followed. And yet, these are the same people that should ensure that the law is respected and adhear to.
Watch and see, everyone of us will at some point witness a cop on the phone while driving. No doubt, there will be those times when it is actually ligit, but no one will know that.
So, if you love chatting on phone while driving….join the RCIP.
Fine and dandy as long as the cops start handing out tickets left, right and center. I still see many, many children running about in cars who should be in a car seat and rarely is anyone stopped and ticketed for it. How long has that been law?
That law only applies to non friends of police from my experience.
Well done! About time and thank you law makers and RCIP. Also, PLEASE fine the irresponsible parents for not putting young children in car seats and for those who still do not wear seat belts. I hope the RCIP rakes in huge fines.
Next, RCIP…would you please patrol the hot spot residential areas that are having so many daylight break-ins? It really is simple. Patrol and stop the cars that are just sitting outside "casing" homes to follow patterns. Ask any of the victims, all were at work or just left for a few hours to collect kids from school. The criminals KNOW which houses to hit.
I'm so glad this applies to the police as well. Perhaps I will get the chance to perform a citizen's arrest? That would be after I dug them out of the house that they drove their brand new Charger into.
Read again my fellow blogger, police can use their phone while driving, if it is police business. So don't go performing your arrest just yet.
Even if they are using the phone for personal business, they will just say "no, it was for police business".
They would still be guilty of driving without due care and attention.
If in the UK, no such law here..
It is about time!! I am very happy the law is coming into effect soon. All of you complaining about the law should think back when we did not have cell phones. Did you suffer any detriment for the lack thereof. I have a cell phone, for emergencies, and nothing has ever been so urgent that I could not wait a few seconds to pull over and make to take the call. The cell phone seems to have become a part of the wardrobe or jewelry except it is much more distracting. Last week I saw a lady trying to pull in to traffic, with her head resting on her left shoulder, a cup of something in her left hand and trying to hold on the steering with her right hand- well I refused to let her out. no telling where she would have swerve- sure did not want her hit ting my car!! I hope the next law passed is against the thumping coming from car speakers with the windows rolled down. Don't these idiots know that they are damaging their ear drums, as well as being a nusiance to others.?? About the Police using cell phones, I am sure they will use the non hand held devices and after all they are different from the rest of us. They are enforcing the law and need to be in touch with the wider community at all times. We do not – some of us just loves the sound of own voices.!!
Unfortunately it doesn't apply to the police. Clearly they need to be able to speak on a phone whilst driving and are so skilled that (unlike us mere mortals) they don't need hands-free.
I'm sure that will be a great consolation when you get his by a Police Dodge Charger whilst the driver's talking to one of his girlfriends.
What possible justification can there be for this exemption?
"The law provides some exceptions to using a mobile phone while driving including police officers on duty"
Brilliant Idea – Lets make the police above the law ! – Arent they supposed to use radios anyhow ?
$150 fine doesnt sound like much of a deterrent either. Should have been up to $500 like seatbelts.
Considering how endemnic this problem is in Cayman, this should be easy money for the cops to collect, assuming they have their eyes open.
Lets hope the RCIPS lead by example on this one. Its an everyday occurence to see police driving on the cell phone in marked squad cars. Its unfair to charge someone and be guilty of the same offence.
"The law provides some exceptions to using a mobile phone while driving including …..when it is unsafe to stop.."
Is this a misprint? Are they saying if it is unsafe to stop you can continue to use the phone?? How about don't answer or use it while driving period, including police officers, they should all have hands free kits and set an example.
…a driver making a 911 call in an emergency when it is unsafe to stop…
you should finish reading!
The exception is to call 9-1-1 when it may be unsafe to stop…
Caller: My crazy ex-boyfriend is following me in his car. He was choking me but I got away. He said he's going to kill me. I'm driving to the police station.
Do you seriously want the 9-1-1 operator to tell that caller to pull over to the side of the road?
i think the "unsafe to stop" is in emergency situations, ie calling 911.
glad to see the new laws. the worst part about a driver on a cell is the hesitation. its painful to drive behind someone who hesitates in every instance.
Great that it is coming, now I just wonder if it will be enforced! I hope so because, damn, driving whilst glued to a mobile phone has become an epidemic here and the standard of driving as a result is appalling.
I would not mind, but the Island is so small, you normally would only have to wait 5 minutes to get somewhere, park and call your friend/relative in safety.
Those that think they are perfect, and that this law does not apply to them, and that they can phone and drive at the same time will be the first ones to cry foul when they get hit by someone doing that.
Statistics around the world show mobile phone use is the biggest cause of accidents, up there with drunk driving. Being in Cayman does not change that. No-one is immune.
Ha-ha!! Our budget deficit will be paid up in no time!! Tell me when you DON'T see someone on their cellphone or BBMing while driving…
Does this mean that we as normal citizens can make a citizen's arrest and fine a police officer if we see them on the phone ? Every other police car I see has an officer talking on the phone and from the body language it does seem personal.
A law is only as good as its enforcement…
If properly policed, these fines should wipe out the budget deficit in a matter of weeks!
Ha! They don't even enforce the drink driving laws or basic give wayrules.
Weren't these regulations already passed in January 2012? Ah, but maybe they were just not enforced. I am all for this, because there is nothing more annoying than driving behind someone who is going 5mph along a 30mph stretch because they are on a cell phone chatting.
That said, I hope this also applies to police officers as I have personally witnessed, at least a dozen times since January 2012, officers chatting on their cellphones whilst driving!
I hope it works!
So the minister says it is as dangerous as drinking and driving yet the police are going to be allowed to do it? So should the police be allowed to drink and drive while on duty also? Seems to make sense to me.
What a joke, the police don't enforce most laws here and now we have a brand new one not to enforce…really……
Im sure this one will be enforced. However you can rob, steal, murder and take bribes without fear of prosecution.
lol… I can see officers stopping people and they denying talking on their phones… "I was stratching me cheek officer!"
you bring up a great point. at the end of the day it will be on you to build a case proving to the judge that you weren't using a cellphone. its your word against the cops word unless you have evidence to dispute the charge. its a very subjective law. although i whole heartedly agree that you should never use a cell phone while driving…
Phone records, dear chap, phone records. That is pretty objective.