Even though mobile phones have become an indispensable part of life for many, it is against the law to use a hand-held phone or device while driving.
This applies whether you are driving a car or a motorcycle, and even if you are stopped at traffic lights or stationary in queuing traffic.
In 2015 alone, it was reported that using a phone was a factor in 22 fatal accidents and 99 serious injuries. In fact, 4 in 10 millennials admit to using their smartphone while driving.
What constitutes using a mobile phone while driving?
Driving regulations state that the use of a mobile telephone or similar hand-held device while driving is prohibited.
The law defines hand-held devices as items that must be held in order to carry out communication.
This includes while you're in static traffic, slow-moving traffic and while stationary at traffic lights.
Even if you never make a call when behind the wheel, you're still breaking the law if you use the phone, for example, to text or browse the internet.
Devices that fall under this law include anything that can send or receive spoken or written messages, send or receive still or moving images, and anything that can provide access to the internet.
If you have your phone rigged up to a hands-free kit and you can operate it without holding it, then you can use it in a way that is not prohibited by this offence (such as pushing buttons on a phone while it is in a holder).
However, the offence will apply if you have picked up your phone to check for text messages, or if you were cradling the device between your ear and your shoulder.
Pretty much the only exception to the rule is if you need to call the emergency services and it is unsafe for you to stop or pull over.
