ON THE MOVE » THE LAW FAQ PART TWO

Being ‘up to the minute’ is vital. Whether it’s just keeping in touch with your office, receiving the latest information or being able to navigate to your destination, in car technology is key.

In this section we give you the best possible information on using your mobile and data products 'on the move'. Simply click on the subject links on the right.



CAN I MAKE AND RECEIVE CALLS IF MY PHONE IS IN A CRADLE?
You can push buttons on the phone while it is in a cradle or on the steering wheel or handlebars of a motorbike, as long as it is in the cradle and you don't hold the phone. However, AAMT urges drivers not to use even hands-free phones as they are four times as likely to be involved in an accident.

CAN YOU TEXT AND USE THE INTERNET ON YOUR PHONE WHILE DRIVING?
The use of mobile phones for these purposes are prohibited if you hold the phone. You can push buttons on a phone while it is in the cradle as this does not breach the new regulation. However, police may use their powers to stop you under existing laws. The AAMT urges drivers not to do this as it could be distracting. Research has shown that drivers who use hands-free are four times as likely to be involved in an accident.

WILL MOTORISTS BE ABLE TO USE NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANTS (PDAS) OR OTHER COMPUTER EQUIPMENT THAT SENDS OR RECEIVES DATA?
In theory yes - providing it is not a hand-held device. The government guidelines state that use of devices other than mobile phones is only prohibited if the device performs an interactive communication function by sending and receiving data. If the device does not perform this type of function, you can use the device without breaching the regulations. However, The AA Motoring Trust urges drivers not to use these machines as it could be distracting.

CAN I USE A HAND-HELD PHONE WHEN I AM STATIONARY IN TRAFFIC?
No, the regulations state that driving includes time when stopped at traffic lights or during other hold-ups, so you can't use a hand-held. However, if there was an accident on a motorway, for example, and you could safely say you wouldn't move, then you could turn the engine off and then use the phone.

CAN I USE MY HAND-HELD MOBILE IF IT IS PLACED BETWEEN MY EAR AND SHOULDER?
No, because you will be holding the phone and breaking the new law.

CAN I USE AN EARPIECE KIT IF MY PHONE IS NOT IN A CRADLE?
Technically yes. The AA Motoring Trust would never recommend using this though because it would be tempting to pick the phone up and then you would be breaking the law. It could also easily fall on the floor and then you are distracted from driver by trying to pick the phone up. You can use an ear-piece kit if the phone is placed in a cradle and you don't hold the phone when receiving a call.

SHOULD MOTORISTS TURN OFF MOBILES WHEN DRIVING?
The best way to avoid making or receiving calls in the car is to turn the phone off. However, this is not always practical for everyone. It is safer to let the phone ring and return the call when safely parked. However, motorists should remember that the car engine needs to be switched off to make or take the call. Passengers in the car can use their phones while in cars.

CAN I MAKE EMERGENCY CALLS?
There is an exemption for making 999 calls to the emergency services where it is unsafe or impractical to stop.

CLICK 'THE LAW FAQ PART ONE LINK ON THE RIGHT FOR MORE FAQ'S AND INFORMATION.



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