Oh, so you don’t use your mobile phone in the car? Like, ever? Well, you, dear reader, are one of the slight minority, by my estimation.
Despite all of the ads, posters and even legislation, it would appear that many New Zealanders are willing to shirk the law in the name of convenience.
Frankly, it’s a pretty dangerous stance. Phones can be lethal with their ability to distract us.
There are still some misunderstandings about what will actually ‘pass’ with when it comes to using your phone while driving.
Most people believe that they are safe as long as they are not texting or talking on their phone.
While it is best not to use a cell phone while driving, it is permissible in certain circumstances.
The penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is $150 and 20 demerit points.
Even for the most experienced drivers, legal phone use can be distracting and raise the risk of a crash. It’s critical to understand the difference between legal and illegal phone usage. If you decide to use your phone legally, we recommend that you follow this advice.
We’ll deconstruct what you think or have been told so you can determine whether or not you’re safe while using your phone.
Using a mobile phone in your car in New Zealand
- DO NOT hold or use a mobile phone while driving or waiting in a traffic line, at an intersection, or at traffic lights.
- DO NOT create, send or read any type of message while driving
- DO NOT use email, social media, video calling, internet browsing, games or photography on your mobile device while driving
- DO NOT perform any activity which is not listed as an approved mobile phone activity in the car, including the use of navigation or playing music.
What about hands free mobile phone options in the car?
Firstly, bear in mind that hands free doesn’t absolve you of all risk. You’re still in a moving vehicle, dealing with a degree of distraction.
- Keep the conversation brief
- Discussions that are complex or emotional should be avoided
- Tell the person on the other end of the line that you’re driving and that you may have to end the call suddenly if it’s distracting you.
Legal mobile phone use in cars in New Zealand
There is some flexibility in New Zealand, that’s where it comes down to good common sense habits and a commitment to being a safe driver. In New Zealand you can make or receive a phone call, use your music and navigation apps where the phone is fixed to a phone mount that doesn’t obstruct the view and is easy to touch.
If you need to touch your phone, pull over, turn off the car, and touch as much as you want once it is safe to do so. No excuses, you’ve been given fair warning!
Need help from a mechanic? Head over to the My Auto Shop service area and we can sort you out with a few quotes to compare from qualified mechanics in your area. Too easy.