I get no texting while driving. I thought it was ok to glance at screen to read incoming text, but it's not. Ok. But I can scroll through and choose music on my phone (playing Bluetooth) which is much more involving than reading a text is. I can play with my mapping in car unit or my phone too, despite most new cars having devilishly complicated systems built in. Hmmmmmmmm.
hamhonda,
Sep 16, 3:04pm
I might be wrong but doesn't the rule state "using a hand held device", which I take to mean covering txting, scrolling through music, talking on phone, even picking it up to glance at the time on it.
tamarillo,
Sep 16, 3:18pm
That's what I thought but the Press confirmed with police and produced a list of what is ok and not. A young woman was booked for picking up her phone and looking at it when a new text came in. Police only say that if you have an accident from inattention due to using a device of any kind you can be prosecuted differently. BUT simply using device for music is NOT an offence.
WHAT'S LEGAL WHILE DRIVING Eating LEGAL Drinking (non-alcoholic) LEGAL Using phone as GPS LEGAL Changing music on phone LEGAL Changing music on stereo LEGAL Make up LEGAL Reading LEGAL Texting NOT LEGAL Talking on cell phone NOT LEGAL *Police say all of the above cause drivers to be distracted and none are recommended
jokerboss,
Sep 16, 3:48pm
it IS legal to *555 or 111 while driving
tigertim20,
Sep 16, 5:47pm
you can split hairs all you like, but when mr plod pulls you over because he saw you fidgeting with your phone - what do you think your chances are of him believing you were using it solely as a music device at the time and thus shouldnt be ticketed?
daryl14,
Sep 16, 5:58pm
My Navman says I must click to confirm I am a passenger if I touch it while moving. Fair enough, they have covered their arse.
If I crashed while distracted for any reason I can think of, I would expect to get a dangerous driving charge. Any list that some wally puts out will just be hearsay/media hype.
saxman99,
Sep 16, 6:04pm
Simple to prove one way or the other.
tintop,
Sep 16, 6:06pm
Not strictly true at all times. There are conditions.
(a)the driver is using the phone to make a 111 or *555 call; and (b)it is unsafe or impracticable for the driver to stop and park the vehicle to make the call.
pauldw,
Sep 16, 6:08pm
From the relevant Rule A driver may, while driving a vehicle, use a mobile phone in a way described in subclause (1)(a) or (f), if both the following apply: (a)the phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle; and (b)if the driver manipulates or looks at the phone, he or she does so infrequently and briefly.
1(a) is using phone as a phone 1 (f) would cover GPS or music.
Most would be caught without the phone secured in a mount.
gman35,
Sep 16, 8:09pm
I dont see the problem with texting while stopped at what may be a known long sequence red light etc. *NOTE as long as you are keeping an eye open for the upcoming green also of course. (I do realise however that many drivers are slow enough reacting to the green as it is).
tintop,
Sep 16, 8:39pm
The 'problem' however is that it is illegal.
curlcrown,
Sep 17, 3:23am
Even drinking an alcoholic beverage whilst driving is legal.
tamarillo,
Jun 21, 7:23pm
I used to have a tradition of cracking open a beer as I headed out of the city on holiday. kinda start of the holiday!
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