When is a driver allowed to use a mobile phone while driving?

A driver is permitted to use a mobile phone while driving only when using a hands-free device. This regulation is in place to ensure that drivers can maintain their focus on the road and surroundings, which is crucial for the safety of all road users. Hands-free devices allow drivers to make calls and interact with their phones without having to physically hold the device, reducing the risk of distraction that typically comes from handling a phone directly.

Using a mobile phone without hands-free equipment could lead to distractions that significantly impair a driver's ability to respond to changing traffic conditions, navigate obstacles, and maintain control of the vehicle. Therefore, the legislation emphasizes hands-free use to mitigate these risks while still allowing communication for drivers when necessary.

Other options suggest scenarios where mobile phone use may be deemed acceptable but do not align with the regulations aimed at promoting road safety. For example, using a phone while stopped at a red light can still lead to distractions; the expectation is that drivers are fully engaged with their driving tasks as soon as the light changes. Similarly, using a phone for navigation is only permissible under specific conditions, particularly when it involves voice commands or a hands-free interface to ensure the driver remains attentive to the road. Lastly, the limitation of speed does not allow for mobile phone