Hands Free = Not Points Free

**Bluebird** · 27 February 2007, 16:47

Originally posted by Paddy

You can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile phone if you are not in proper control of your vehicle. Then penalties will be the same as for using a hand-held phone. And the penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using a phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

I would have thought anybody driving whilst NOT in proper control of their vechicle or driving carelessly or dangerously runs the risk of points, fines or imprisonment whether they have a hands free set or not.

**PRC1964** · 27 February 2007, 16:49

I don't like people using hand held phones while driving but I don't see any point in creating new laws for the hell of it. The law already stated that if you are not in proper control of your vehicle then you can be prosecuted.

Do we need a law banning people from touching their i-pod while driving or reaching into their pocket to take out a pack of ciggies?

**snaw** · 27 February 2007, 16:50

Originally posted by Paddy

Points on your licence

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving and the penalties are going up. From 27 February 2007 you will receive a £60 fine and three penalty points on your licence. Points can mean higher insurance costs.

You don’t have to be caught many times to be disqualified. If you get just six points in the first two years after passing your test, you will lose your licence under the New Drivers Act.

You can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile phone if you are not in proper control of your vehicle. Then penalties will be the same as for using a hand-held phone. And the penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using a phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

Saw this on the news last night, they did some testing on one guy and his performance was 40% worse when on a mobile, and 10% worse on hands free - not sure that 10% is all that bad but does make you think.

They also said that while it seems the same as talking to someone next to you they stated that actually your performance didn't suffer as much cause that person with you 'shared' the driving experience. Whatever that means.

**The Lone Gunman** · 27 February 2007, 16:55

Originally posted by PRC1964

I don't like people using hand held phones while driving but I don't see any point in creating new laws for the hell of it. The law already stated that if you are not in proper control of your vehicle then you can be prosecuted.

Do we need a law banning people from touching their i-pod while driving or reaching into their pocket to take out a pack of ciggies?

It is a money making scheme again. It is possible for them to prove you were using a phone so Gay Gordon can dip you for it.

As you say, there is already scope for prosecution for not being in control, but it is much harder to prove.

The bit about holding a conversation with a passenger is OK, but the number of prats you see who are constantly looking at said passenger is a different matter and how many times have you seen a driver trying to cope with a screaming kid in the car.

**milanbenes** · 27 February 2007, 17:09

to be honest it beggars belief that manual gearbox cars are legal, the hand and feet coordination required to run these is another example of distraction from the task in hand watching the road and other drivers

all cars should be automatic - simple as

Milan.

**Paddy** · 27 February 2007, 17:17

Originally posted by milanbenes

to be honest it beggars belief that manual gearbox cars are legal, the hand and feet coordination required to run these is another example of distraction from the task in hand watching the road and other drivers

all cars should be automatic - simple as

Milan.

The devil finds use for idle hands in a automatic.

**The Lone Gunman** · 27 February 2007, 17:19

Originally posted by milanbenes

to be honest it beggars belief that manual gearbox cars are legal, the hand and feet coordination required to run these is another example of distraction from the task in hand watching the road and other drivers

all cars should be automatic - simple as

Milan.

I take it you have failed to come to terms with this mechanism? Stay away from motorbikes and helicopters too. Much more co-ordination required you clumsy git.

**bogeyman** · 27 February 2007, 19:27

Originally posted by PRC1964

I don't like people using hand held phones while driving but I don't see any point in creating new laws for the hell of it. The law already stated that if you are not in proper control of your vehicle then you can be prosecuted.

Do we need a law banning people from touching their i-pod while driving or reaching into their pocket to take out a pack of ciggies?

Oh, get with the project PRC1964!

This government does nothing BUT create new laws! Thereby making crims of people who where previously completely without a blemish on their character.

It seems that wanking whilst driving will still be perfectly legal. Which should be a comfort to most labour politicians and their supporters.

**sasguru** · 27 February 2007, 19:31

Originally posted by bogeyman

It seems that wanking whilst driving will still be perfectly legal. Which should be a comfort to most labour politicians and their supporters.

Methinks I feel (geddit) a test case coming (fnah-fnah) on.

Hands Free = Not Points Free