ACT cracks down on mobiles in cars

By

Handset can't touch body part; drivers urged to pull over

New laws in the nation's capital make it illegal to cradle or nurse a mobile phone while driving.

ACT cracks down on mobiles in cars

The laws that came into effect late last week prevented ACT drivers from "holding a mobile phone, cradling a phone on their shoulder or resting it on their lap while driving".

Those in breach faced a $271 fine and the loss of three demerit points, said ACT chief minister John Stanhope.

"Under the laws, drivers can only use a mobile phone to make or receive a call if the phone is secured in a cradle, or if it can be operated without being touched and is not resting on any part of the driver's body," Stanhope said.

"All other functions of the phone including text messaging, video calls and emailing are prohibited."

Drivers were told either to get a hands-free kit, ask a passenger to answer calls, "pull over and park your car" or wait to their destination before answering.

Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Copyright © iTnews.com.au . All rights reserved.
Tags:

Most Read Articles

NSW gov to house drones permanently at traffic hotspots

NSW gov to house drones permanently at traffic hotspots

Health signs $37m device-as-a-service deal

Health signs $37m device-as-a-service deal

Third of chip production could face copper supply disruptions by 2035

Third of chip production could face copper supply disruptions by 2035

ANZ rolls out new customer-facing tech

ANZ rolls out new customer-facing tech

Log In

  |  Forgot your password?