Drivers ENE Mobile Phones & Portable Devices

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File name: SAMSUNGUSBDriverforMobilePhonesv1.5.25.0-retail.exe: Alternative file name: SAMSUNGUSBDriverforMobilePhonesv1.5.25.0-retail: File size. Currently drivers can only be prosecuted for using a mobile phone behind the wheel if they're performing an 'interactive communication', such as making handheld calls, texting, or using the internet.

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Police forces across the UK are taking part in a fortnight-long nationwide campaign to crackdown on drivers using phones behind the wheel.

Drivers ENE Mobile Phones & Portable Devices

The campaign is being coordinated by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and began yesterday (Monday 8 February) and runs until 21 February, it has been revealed.

The campaign comes ahead of a significant change to the law that will banish drivers from being able to touch a device at all when on the move.

© Provided by This Is Money Fortnight phone crackdown: A nationwide police campaign has started this week to target motorists using their phones behind the wheel

The NPCC says this year's targeted crackdown is particularly pertinent, given the unprecedented strain currently being placed on the emergency services by the Covid-19 pandemic – and the need for those using the roads not to add to that pressure.

In support of the campaign, police forces will be specifically targeting motorists found to be committing the offence.

The crackdown is likely to cause a spike in the number of drivers being penalised for the transgression, which is punishable by six points on a licence and a £200 fine - not to mention the increase in insurance premiums for having a blotted driving record.

It also means new drivers who have passed their test in the last two years could potentially lose their licence altogether.

Drivers ENE Mobile Phones & Portable Devices

Warwickshire Police is asking the public not to be tempted to use a hand held mobile phone while driving, amid a 'worrying shift in attitudes'.

© Provided by This Is Money The police crackdown on drivers using phones will be in operation from 8 February to 21 February

During 2019, the force issued 390 drivers with fixed penalty notices for the offence. In 2020, despite lockdown restrictions, a further 267 notices were issued to drivers.

Jem Mountford, an inspector from the Warwickshire force, said: 'We are seeing a worrying shift in attitudes to mobile phone use behind the wheel and this is raising many safety concerns.

'We are seeing more drivers looking down to use a handheld mobile phone to use social media apps, select music, check emails or texting while driving when they should be focussing on the road ahead. We are asking these drivers to consider how their actions could affect themselves and other people.

'Whoever you are texting or calling, whether parents, family, or friends, they would not want you to have a collision potentially injuring yourself or someone else.'

Meanwhile in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, the tri-force Roads Policing Unit is urging all motorists to put their mobile phones away and avoid unnecessary distractions.

Last year, more than a quarter of all collisions in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire that involved a motorist who was using their mobile phone ended in fatality or serious injury.

© Provided by This Is Money Police forces across the country have been spreading the word of the impeding clampdown on social media© Provided by This Is Money The crackdown is likely to cause a spike in the number of drivers being penalised for the transgression, which is punishable by six points on a licence and a £200 fine - not to mention the increase in insurance premiums for having a blotted driving record

Chief inspector Stephen O'Keeffe, head of the tri-force Roads Policing Unit, said: 'You might think glancing down at your phone is ok but not looking where you are driving is incredibly dangerous.

'At that moment you are not aware of what is happening around you. It only takes a second for circumstances to change and for you to be involved in a collision, either with another road user or a pedestrian.

'At a time when emergency services are under unprecedented strain, we must do everything in our power to look after ourselves and those around us. That includes not putting lives at risk by driving dangerously.'

Crackdown comes ahead rule changes banning drivers from 'touching' phones behind the wheel

The Government is on course this year to introduce a change to the law that will criminalise the use of hand-held mobile phones 'in all circumstances while driving'.

Currently drivers can only be prosecuted for using a mobile phone behind the wheel if they're performing an 'interactive communication', such as making handheld calls, texting, or using the internet.

Ministers are wanting to close the loophole after a number of high profile cases of motorists escaping prosecution for recording videos behind the wheel.

These include a man in July 2018 having a conviction overturned after he had filmed a crash as he drove by.

His lawyers successfully argued that he was not using the device to communicate and escaped charges.

© Provided by This Is Money The says the current legislation has fallen behind advances in smartphone technology

The government's aim to revise the laws will mean browsing the internet and searching playlists while driving will be forbidden and punishable.

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However, Nick Freeman, known as Mr Loophole for his ability to secure acquittals for celebrity clients such as David Beckham, believes the changes to the law will be a 'spectacular own goal' by the government.

Mr Freeman has himself used the argument of a 'non-interactive communication' to successfully defend comedian and presenter Jimmy Carr after he was accused of using a mobile phone while driving in 2019.

The 64-year-old lawyer successfully defended Carr by claiming he was using his iPhone to record a joke while at the wheel – and therefore didn't fall foul of the legislation.

Controversially, the motoring lawyer claims that by banning drivers from filming at the wheel it will block an evidence stream of footage provided to police that shows other motorists breaking the law - despite the fact the individual recording will also be failing to pay full attention to the road ahead.

'This new law means drivers will no longer be able to film other motorists using their phones in an unlawful way,' he explains.

© Provided by This Is Money Motoring lawyer Nick Freeman says it will be an 'own goal' to ban drivers from being able to record other motorists breaking the law

'Traditionally, this kind of footage – usually taken in a queue or at a red light - has provided the basis for countless successful prosecutions.

'In fact over the years the police have actively exhorted the public to use their phones this way to ensnare law breaking drivers.'

He adds: 'But since filming or taking pictures will no longer be lawful, there`ll be a massive reduction in footage from the public.

'As a result, far fewer dangerous drivers will be brought to justice. In short it is the most spectacular – and hazardous - own goal.'

One factor Mr Freeman appears to have overlooked is the significant increase in the use of dashcams in recent years.

The devices are primarily for settling disputes in insurance claims but have also been utilised as a means of recording incriminating videos other road users.

And the footage captured can be uploaded to a police database to be used as evidence.

The National Dash Cam Safety Portal, launched by Nextbase in July 2018, has been a huge success.

The databases rapidly speeds up the process of convictions, with officers able to review footage quickly and use it to prosecute motorists for dangerous and careless driving.

Road users have sent more than 50,000 dashcam videos to police since the portal was setup, it was reported at the end of last year.

Almost a third of these recording have resulted in a court summons, Fixed Penalty Notice, driver awareness course and some form of written warning from the authorities, the investigation found.

Our animated video shows drivers the rules on mobile phone use. Read a transcript.

Find answers to common questions about mobile phone road rules.

Legal mobile phone use

Use or FunctionUnrestricted licence holdersLearner and provisional licence holders
Make or receive audio phone callYes, ONLY if the phone is either:
  • Secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicle; or
  • Can be operated without touching any part of the phone, (e.g. Bluetooth controls)
No.
Use music or audio functionsNo.
Use as a driver's aid (e.g. navigation, Speed Adviser app or dispatch system)Yes, ONLY if the phone is secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicleNo.
Access a Digital Driver LicenceYes, ONLY after a police officer has asked you to do so.
Use wallet functions (make a transaction, show a coupon or voucher, or to access an area)Yes, ONLY if the vehicle is:
  • Stationary; and
  • Off the road (such as in a carpark, driveway or drive thru)

Illegal mobile phone use

All other functions including video calling, texting, emailing, social media, web browsing and photography are prohibited unless parked.

It is also illegal to hold and use a mobile phone at any time while driving or riding.

Using a Digital Driver Licence

It’s illegal to access your Digital Driver Licence when driving, including when stationary, unless you’re asked to do so by a police officer. Penalties apply.

Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders

Restricted licences holders including learner, P1 and P2 drivers and riders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding. This includes use of hands-free and Bluetooth functions.

Illegal mobile phone use will result in heavy penalties including demerit points and fines, which could mean the loss of your licence.

Tip: Avoid temptation and keep your phone in your bag or glovebox.

Unrestricted licence holders and all bicycle riders

Full licence holders and bicycle riders are permitted to use particular mobile phone functions. These include making or answering a phone call, or playing audio, if the phone:

  • Is secured in a cradle; or
  • Can be used without touching any part of the phone (e.g. Bluetooth).

This also includes using a mobile phone as a driver’s aid (e.g. navigation) if the phone is secured in a cradle.

Tip: Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Consider the traffic conditions before using your phone.

Mobile phone detection cameras

The mobile phone detection camera program includes fixed and transportable cameras that operate at locations across the network. Coupled with ongoing enforcement by NSW Police, these cameras target illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime.

From 1 March 2020 mobile phone detection cameras will be enforcing illegal use of mobile phones while driving or riding. The penalty for offending drivers is five demerit points and a $349 fine ($464 in a school zone). The penalty increases to 10 demerit points during double-demerit periods.

NSW Police continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue infringements as part of regular operations.

Mobile phone detection cameras provides more information about the program.

FAQs

For more information on mobile phone rules, select your licence type to find out what rules apply to you.

Restricted licence holders - P1, P2 and Learners (drivers and motorcyclists)

1. Can use my phone to make a call, use GPS or listen to music?

No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding.

This applies regardless of whether the phone in use is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or is being used hands-free (i.e. via Bluetooth). None of these uses are permitted.

2. Can I use my phone to make a call, use GPS or listen to music if it’s in a cradle?

No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding.

This applies regardless of whether the phone in use is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or is being used hands-free (i.e. via Bluetooth). None of these uses are permitted.

Portable

3. Can I use my mobile phone if it is on loudspeaker and in my lap?

No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding.

This applies regardless of whether the phone in use is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or is being used hands-free (i.e. via Bluetooth). None of these uses are permitted.

4. Can I use my phone to text?

No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding, including any texting functions.

5. What do I need to do to use my phone?

If you would like to use your phone for any function – including calling, texting, emailing, playing audio or using social media - your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic.

6. Do I need to be parked with my ignition off to use my phone?

To use a mobile phone, you must be parked out of the line of traffic. However, the ignition does not need to be turned off.

7. If I have a Digital Driver Licence and I’m pulled over by NSW Police, when is it OK to pick up my phone to show my licence?

You can only use your mobile phone to access your Digital Driver Licence after being requested to do so by a police officer. It’s illegal to touch your phone before an authorised officer instructs you to do so. For more information on the Digital Driver Licence, please visit the Service NSW website.

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8. Am I able to access my mobile phone wallet functions if my vehicle is stationary and off the road?

Yes, if you are required to use a mobile phone wallet function to make a transaction, show a coupon or access an area, then you may do so providing your vehicle is stationary and off the road, such as in a carpark, driveway or drive-thru.

9. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone?

Yes. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver’s view of the road.

10. Will the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras affect me?

Yes, restricted licences holders are not permitted to use their phone while driving or riding. Mobile phone detection cameras enforce illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime across the NSW road network.

11. Was there a warning period for the start of the mobile phone detection camera program?

Warning letters were issued for the first three months (from 1 December, 2019), during which time drivers caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera were issued with a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.

From 1 March 2020 fines and demerit point penalties will be issued to all drivers who are caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera.

Please note NSW Police provide ongoing police enforcement of illegal mobile phone use.

12. How will I know if I’ve been caught using my phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera?

Fines and demerit point penalties will be issued to all drivers who are caught using their mobile phone illgally by a mobile phone detection camera.

13. What is the penalty for being caught for illegal phone use?

The fine for illegal mobile phone use is $349, or $464 if detected in a school zone. There is a five demerit point penalty for illegal mobile phone use, which increases to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.

Learner and provisional P1 licence holders will exceed their demerit point threshold and lose their licence if caught illegally using their mobile phone. All learner and provisional P1 and P2 licence holders will exceed their demerit point threshold and lose their licence if they are caught using a mobile phone during a double demerit period.

These penalties apply to both camera-detected offences and infringements issued by NSW Police.

14. Do double demerits apply for mobile phone offences detected by a mobile phone detection camera?

Yes, double demerits apply to mobile phone offences during double demerit periods, during which the penalty increases to 10 demerit points.

Unrestricted licence holders (drivers and motorcyclists) and bicycle riders

  1. What do I need to do to use other functions of my mobile phone (e.g. texting, emailing, social media)?
  2. Do I need to be parked with my ignition off to use my phone?

1. Can I hold and use my phone?

No. It’s illegal to hold and use your phone while stationary at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.

2. Can I touch my phone if it is in a cradle?

If your phone is secured in a cradle, you can only touch your phone:

  • To make or receive a phone call;
  • For audio playing functions; or
  • For using a driver’s aid (such as navigation).

Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Consider the traffic conditions before using your phone.

3. Can I dial a number if my mobile phone is in a cradle?

Yes. You can use a mobile phone to make or receive audio phone calls if it is secured in a mounting (i.e. cradle) fixed to the vehicle.

Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Please consider if the call is urgent and the traffic conditions before using your phone.

4. What do I need to do to use other functions of my mobile phone (e.g. texting, emailing, social media)?

If you would like to use your phone for any of these functions, your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic.

Drivers ene mobile phones & portable devices am fm

5. Do I need to be parked with my ignition off to use my phone?

To use a mobile phone, you must be parked out of the line of traffic. However, the ignition does not need to be turned off.

6. If I have a Digital Driver Licence and I’m pulled over by NSW Police, when is it OK to pick up my phone to show my licence?

You can only handle and use your mobile phone to access your Digital Driver Licence after being requested to do so by a police officer. It’s illegal to touch your phone before a police officer instructs you to do so. For more information on the Digital Driver Licence, please visit the Service NSW website.

7. Am I able to access my mobile phone wallet functions if my vehicle is stationary and off the road?

Yes, if you are required to use a mobile phone wallet function to make a transaction, show a coupon or access an area, then you may do so providing your vehicle is stationary and off the road, such as in a carpark, driveway or drive thru.

8. Can I have my mobile phone in my pocket if I’m using Bluetooth to make or receive a call?

Yes. You can use a mobile phone to make or receive calls if it is in your pocket and it does not require you to touch the phone in any way.

9. I’m a ride share driver. Can I use the dispatch system app on my phone if it’s mounted in a cradle?

Yes. You can use a mobile phone as a dispatch system as long as it is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road.

10. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone?

Yes. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver’s view of the road.

11. Where can I attach a cradle to my vehicle?

The cradle (also known as a mounting) must be fixed to the vehicle in a manner intended by the manufacturer. It must not obscure your view of the road (in front and to each side). Find more information in our Windscreen mounted phones and GPS fact sheet (PDF, 56Kb).

12. Will the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras affect me?

Yes, unrestricted licence holders are not permitted to hold and use their phone while driving or riding.

Mobile phone detection cameras enforce illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime across the NSW road network.

13. Was there a warning period for the start of the mobile phone detection camera program?

Drivers Ene Mobile Phones & Portable Devices Am Fm

Warning letters were issued for the first three months (from 1 December, 2019), during which time drivers caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera were issued with a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.

From 1 March 2020 fines and demerit point penalties will be issued to all drivers who are caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera.

Please note NSW Police provide ongoing police enforcement of illegal mobile phone use.

Drivers Ene Mobile Phones & Portable Devices Download

14. What is the penalty for being caught for illegal mobile phone use?

The fine for illegal mobile phone use is $349, or $464 if detected in a school zone. There is a five demerit point penalty for illegal mobile phone use, which increases to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.

These fines and demerit point penalties apply to both camera-detected offences and infringements issued by NSW Police.

15. Do double demerits apply for mobile phone offences detected by a mobile phone detection camera?

Yes, double demerits apply to mobile phone offences during double demerit periods, during which the penalty increases to 10 demerit points.