In such a small country why are GPS units even needed? NZ has grown geograhpically much since the introduction of GPS hence are we just trying to jump on the Technology bandwagon or is NZ really that large that people MUST rely on GPS whilst driving? I understand its benefit if your in the bush or a foreign country, but for goodness sake, we are one of the smallest countries in the world. Its abismal that we are becoming so lazy we cant be bothered reading maps and just want it all done for us.

@ David #25

You are right but if people are driving when they are so easily distracted, they shouldn't be driving at all. There are so many distractions - that is part and parcel of driving and being in control of a 'lethal weapon'! Unfortunately there are so many reasons why people have accidents but I sincerely believe that everything is becoming so PC these days and it is impossible to create a law that will prevent people from making stupid mistakes. The idea would be to revert back to the horse and cart days - though I am sure there were 'accidents' then as well. Really, look at the introduction of the Anti-Smacking law - did that really prevent children from being smacked and abused? No, because those that go over and beyond a 'smack' as a disciplinary action, will still do what they do because they have no respect for the law anyway.

It is all very confusing and it would be good for the law-makers to make a law that is simple and easily understood - without all the exceptions and variations....

Also, you wouldn't be the first or only male to want their wife to be banned from giving directions! haha. Isn't the voice on GPS units that of a woman though? lol

If you are listening to voice commands... I can't see how screen size matters. Reading street signs, looking at street numbers is a distraction from what is happening on the road with other cars etc. It may only be for a fraction of a second but it still distracts you. People do stupid things when they are stressed (last minute lane changes, not looking where they are going etc) A GPS can help with this. Driving in a unfamiliar city is easier with a GPS unit.

Alan (#18) they should ban my wife from giving directions. Won't improve road safety but will improve my stress levels.

its about time this came into place in NZ - we are always so behind the rest of the world and kiwi drivers need to realise we are one of the worlds worst drivers

I not sure if there is enough scientific evidence to say talking on a cell phone while driving increases your chance of crashing, As when I have a passenger in the car I talk to them and get really engaged with the conversation so is there really a difference there?.. Anyway I guess time will tell, They know alcohol causes a huge amount of crashes each year so they should banned any level of alcohol in your system as-well.. I just subscribed to Nokia Maps on my smart-phone yesterday so I am glad the ban is not going ahead now.

This government has lost the plot. Every time they open their mouths, they say different things to the public. No leadership or unity or direction. Remember the folic bread contradictions? John Key is a good man, but not a strong enough leader and very indecisive, look at the anti smacking referendum. And this cellphone banning issue, its the mental distraction that causes accidents, NOT the actual physical distraction of holding the phone. You can hold a brick to your ear while you drive and not crash. But you can crash while using handsfree, because its the mental distraction. SO basically the next step is to ban listening to music, lipstick mirrors and talking to passengers.

Karen, surprisingly iphone screens are reasonably sized, but that doesn't really matter as people use the voice function for navigation. I listen to mine for directions.

This sounds like a very sensible law as GPS units make driving safer in unknown areas as you have no need to be looking out for street signs etc. You just listen to the voice. Its a totally different ball game than texting/chatting on the phone.

Last night on the way home in Wellington traffic I witnessed an officer of the law constantly glancing at the cellphone in his hand as he drove. I stopped next to him at a convenient traffic light and queried his behaviour.

The response... "It's not illegal until 1st November". My reply "It's dangerous now though isn't it?"

No answer. Typical.

Yay, someone saw all the complaints!

Answer to Karen's Q: iPhone screen size = 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen

@ David #15 - if you get stressed because you can't find a street, then perhaps you should let your wife drive or ask her for directions before you leave home? lol

Correct me if I am wrong, but it is my understanding that screens on GPS units (well, the ones I have seen anyway) are bigger than those on a phone and also have a voice directing you so it is not necessary to look at the screen at all.

I think if they are wanting to be able to enforce a ban on mobile phones they will need to make the law a bit more defined. As it stands, it is very confusing - especially with it changing from one day to the next.