Mobile phone ban for drivers confirmed

DISTRACTION: Talking and texting on handheld mobile phones while driving is to be banned.

Govt bans using mobiles while driving

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It will be illegal for drivers to talk or send text messages on handheld mobile phones while driving from November 1, Transport Minister Steven Joyce announced today.

Drivers using handheld mobiles would be liable for an $80 fine and 20 demerit points.

The ban comes in changes to the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule.

"There are a lot of other distractions while driving but handheld mobile phone use has grown to become a significant problem," Mr Joyce said.

"The reality is we need to send a strong signal to all road users that it's not on.

"Texting and driving, in particular, is a total no brainer."

According to statistics supplied by Mr Joyce, there were 25 fatal crashes and 482 injury crashes between 2003 and 2008 where the use of a cellphone or another mobile device was a factor.

The ban will not cover hands-free devices or two-way radio, and there will be an exemption for 111 calls made in emergency situations.

Mr Joyce said the excemption for hands-free devices was necessary because many business and trades people depended on them for work.

Also included in the rule change is a requirement for motorcyclists and moped riders to use headlights during daylight hours.

Dog & Lemon Guide editor Clive Matthew Wilson said instead of fining drivers police should have the power to temporarily seize cellphones.

He said banning cellphone might not work because many drivers would rather get a fine than miss a call. But the threat of having their cellphone confiscated would cause drivers to change their behavior.

"Cellphone use by drivers is banned in many countries, yet drivers continue to use their cellphones regardless. Clearly, we need to move beyond simply giving drivers tickets to taking their cellphones away."

- The Dominion Post

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Matthew   #226   07:05 am Nov 05 2009

I think the government made the right choice of making this law so people will pay more attention on driving than their phone

Nathan Stewart   #225   05:08 pm Oct 21 2009

It is good people have this new banning law and some people can obviously use their brains to put in the new law good on em

Joshua   #224   11:36 am Sep 16 2009

Does anyone know where we can find a copy of this law? Theres also a lot of unanswered questions. Like what if the officer cant see the phone while its being used? Or, what if I just say I was rolling smoke out of view? Id rather there was some forethought in this area or police will mark people as guilty until proven innocent (which is basically your word against a protector of the peace. GOOD LUCK!).

franky g   #223   08:58 pm Sep 08 2009

too many people die.thats all i need to say to anyone with common sense

Ash   #222   11:10 am Aug 19 2009

I want to know if you will be aloud to use the earpiece that normally comes with the phones (like a walk man headset) or if we have to fork out for a bluetooth wireless hands free? It is bouncing around our office and most of us think that you cant have the earpiece in your ear!!!!

Ian Templeton   #221   11:21 pm Aug 17 2009

The day time motorcycle law was tried in Ausie years ago but way dropped because it had no effect on crash rates.

Pete   #220   10:02 pm Aug 14 2009

Dumb piece of legislation, it wont stop me.

Holly   #219   04:53 pm Aug 14 2009

My mother texts and drives all the time it is a disgusting habit. I'm so glad its illegal, probably will not stop her through.

DoubleD   #218   02:31 pm Aug 14 2009

How many police cars do you see on the road? I travel approx 60km a day and see maybe 1 or 2. Incidentally I've been driving and calling for years and never been even close to an accident, but then again I am a bloody good driver :)

LOWKEY   #217   01:35 pm Aug 14 2009

God sakes people, get over it, in auz its banned too, buy a hands free kit for ya car, i am sick of NZ and how we act when the government make a change, you all cry like babies, get over it NZ time to change!! I CANT WAIT FOR THIS TO BE INTRODUCED

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