What are the legal implications of using a mobile phone whilst driving?

The Department of Transport (www.dft.gov.uk) has recently announced that it will introduce a new specific offence of Choose from our professional website driving while holding a mobile phone, which will be effective from 1 December 2003:

• • Offenders will face a £30 fine or up to £1000 if the matter goes to court (or £2500 for goods vehicles or those adapted to carry 9 or more passengers)
• • The Government will further legislate to make it an endorsable offence with penalty points and discretionary disqualification
• • Employers will be liable if they require employees to commit the offence
• • Use of a hand held phone to call 999/112 for a genuine emergency while driving will be exempt
• • The offence refers to the activity of holding a phone while driving and NOT using the phone hands free

Editorial - Business Times September 2003:

As from 1st December 2003, it will be an offence to hold a mobile phone handset whilst driving - 'at any point during the set up or making of a communication - voice or data.'

But what does this mean in terms to those of us who use driving time to catch up on calls?

Kevin Davison of Davison Communications in Northampton explains. "This new law will mean that in order to make or receive a call when driving, you must either have a fully installed car kit or use an earpiece in conjunction with a cradle or phone holder attached to the dashboard."

Kevin continued, "Button pressing will be permitted if the phone is in a cradle, but drivers must not hold the handset at any time during the call."

Offenders will be fined £30 initially - rising to a maximum of £1000 if the case goes to court and you will also get three Choose from our professional website points on your licence."

So, with such hefty penalties, it would probably be a good idea to organise yourself. What are the options?

"Without professional fitting, prices for handsfree units start from only £0 with better quality systems coming in at about £80. Car kits that need fitting start from £90 with a variety of brands and for an engineer installed kit and aerials, quotations can be provided. So, there's plenty of choice and no excuses for being caught."

Davison Communications supplies a wide variety of mobile phones and communication equipment - this includes upgrades with all the major network suppliers and they will happily advise on the most suitable car kit for you, without obligation.

For or more information call in at the address below or call us on 01604 634888.