Proposed Tougher Laws for Mobile Phone Use While Driving

Liz Kimmins' Proposal for Stricter Mobile Phone Laws

A new proposal to create a tougher law around using handheld mobile phones while driving has been put forward by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins. In a bid to make our roads safer, she has launched a 12-week public consultation on the legislation. The proposal would make it illegal to use a handheld mobile while driving for activities like taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists, or playing games.

Changes in Technology and Road Safety

With the changes in technology, Minister Kimmins aims to target those individuals who engage in distracting activities such as taking photos or videos or scrolling on their phones while driving. She emphasizes the importance of full driver attention on the road to prevent accidents that result in death or serious injury. The proposal seeks to update existing legislation to encompass a wider range of hand-held interactive communication devices and reflects technological advances since the initial introduction of mobile phone laws in 2004.

Scope of the Proposal

The proposal includes extending the existing offence to cover the use of hand-held mobile phones and other devices capable of interactive communication while driving. Regardless of whether the devices are online or offline, the revised offence would encompass tablets, electronic notepads, gaming equipment, and other handheld interactive communication devices. The consultation emphasizes the dangers of using these devices for standalone functions while driving and proposes amendments to ensure comprehensive coverage of all risky behaviors on the road.

Stricter Enforcement and Exemptions

The Department is proposing amendments to trigger the offence when a driver uses hand-held devices for specific functions, even if they are not interactive in nature. Additionally, there is a proposed exemption that would allow drivers to use devices for contactless payments under certain circumstances. The consultation stresses the prohibition of interactive communication functions, such as voice calls, texting, or internet browsing, while driving, with penalties including fines and penalty points.

Final Thoughts

Road safety remains a key priority, and the proposal underscores the personal responsibility of all individuals to prioritize safety while driving. The potential changes in mobile phone laws aim to address the evolving technological landscape and enhance driver attention on our roads.